Haitian Gang Leader Charged with Hostage Taking Offenses that Resulted in the Death of a U.S. Citizen in Haiti in October 2022

Note: View the indictment, the wanted poster, and the reward poster here.

WASHINGTON - An indictment, filed in the District of Columbia, was unsealed today charging Vitel'homme Innocent, a Haitian national and leader of the Kraze Barye gang, for his alleged role in the October 2022 armed hostage taking, in Haiti, of two U.S. citizens, one of whom was killed during the event.

According to the indictment, Innocent and the Kraze Barye gang operate in the Ouest department of Haiti to include Delmas, Torcelle, and Tabarre. The gang actively participates in kidnappings for ransom, extortion, and car thefts.

Innocent ordered gang members to kidnap Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin from their home in Haiti on Oct. 7, 2022. On that date, armed gang members forced entry into the Franklin residence and attempted to kidnap the couple by force. During the kidnapping, Marie Odette Franklin was shot and killed by the gang members. Her husband was taken into captivity and held at an undisclosed location in Haiti. While Jean Franklin was in captivity, Innocent participated in ransom negotiations in exchange for Jean Franklin's release. Jean Franklin was released from captivity on Oct. 28, 2022, following ransom payments made to the gang on behalf of his family.

"As alleged in the indictment, Vitel'homme Innocent, a leader of the Kraze Barye gang in Haiti, directed gang members to kidnap two American citizens for ransom, ultimately resulting in the death of one of the victims," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department is vigorously pursuing those who harm or endanger Americans living in Haiti."

"We remain steadfast in our mission to hold those responsible for violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in Haiti," said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. "The gangs and gang leaders in Haiti must be held accountable for their atrocities committed against innocent civilians. We will utilize all methods at our disposal to apprehend and prosecute those who commit such heinous acts."

"The indictment unsealed today demonstrates the FBI's commitment to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to work our way up to the leaders of criminal plots wherever they are," said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office. "Neither time nor distance will weaken our resolve. We will use all tools available and go to the farthest reaches of the globe to bring to justice those who seek to harm Americans."

Innocent remains at large and is believed to reside in Tabarre, Haiti. Innocent faces additional charges in the District of Columbia related to his role in the kidnapping of 16 U.S. citizens in the Fall of 2021, for which he was indicted. In the fall of 2022, the U.S. State Department announced a reward offer of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Vitel'homme Innocent. The reward is being offered under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.

If convicted, Innocent faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or could face the death penalty. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case, with assistance fromthe FBI Legal Attaché Office in Haiti and the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack F. Korba with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Michael Watts for the District of Columbia.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendant are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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