Federal prosecutors have charged two young men from Texas with a chilling conspiracy: to launch an armed takeover of Gonâve Island off Haiti’s coast, murder the island’s male inhabitants and establish a ring of sexual slavery targeting women and children. The indictment outlines months of preparation, including recruiting the homeless in Washington, D.C., planning weapons purchases and even joining the military to gain combat training.
Sub-heading: The Alleged Plot and Preparation
According to the indictment, the two men—aged 21 and 20—began planning in August 2024 and continued through July 2025. They sought to buy a sailboat, firearms and ammunition, studied Haitian Creole and attempted to recruit people from Washington, D.C.’s homeless population as mercenaries. One of the men enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, ostensibly to gain the military skills necessary for the operation.
The target: Gonâve Island, home to roughly 85,000–100,000 people, according to investigations. The indictment alleges the defendants intended to kill all the men on the island and enslave women and children to fulfil their “rape fantasies.” They now face federal charges of conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap abroad, as well as production of child pornography.
Sub‐heading: Legal Ramifications and Background Context
If convicted of the conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap in a foreign country, the defendants face a potential life sentence. On the child porn charges—stemming from alleged coercion of a minor—they face up to 30 years in prison under federal law.
The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Texas, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, among others. The indictment paints a comprehensive picture of planning, logistics and recruitment aimed at one of Haiti’s more isolated and underserved islands.
Key Takeaways
- Two Texas men are federally indicted for planning an armed takeover of Gonâve Island, Haiti, to kill males and enslave women and children.
- Their actions allegedly included recruitment of homeless individuals, studying Haitian Creole, purchasing weapons and joining the US Air Force for training.
- They face life in prison for the foreign-country conspiracy charge, and up to 30 years for production of child pornography.
- The case involves collaboration among multiple federal agencies and brings to light the vulnerabilities of isolated regions like Gonâve Island.
