The leader of a violent Haitian gang, Joly Germine, has been found guilty on all charges relating to the 2021 kidnapping of 16 American Christian missionaries, including five children. A federal jury in the District of Columbia delivered the verdict, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan James of the Miami Field Office. James emphasized, “This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s determination to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to work our way up to the leaders of criminal plots wherever they are. Haitian gang leader and convicted kidnapper Joly Germine found out he was not beyond the reach of the FBI." He highlighted that even with factors like time and distance, their resolve to bring justice remained unwavering, as evidenced by the successful prosecution of Germine, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

According to an announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office , Germine was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and 16 counts of hostage taking. The former gang leader, referring to himself as "king," headed the 400 Mawozo gang, known for its brutal control of the Croix-des-Bouquets district. Despite being behind bars, Germine directed the gang's operations via unmonitored cell phones, maintaining control over weaponry supply and finances.

The missionaries, affiliated with Christian Aid Ministries, were ambushed and taken hostage by masked soldiers armed with firearms provided by Germine. After robbing the group, the 400 Mawozo gang held them for ransom, initially demanding $1 million per individual. As reported by the Justice Department , the situation saw two hostages released due to life-threatening conditions, and a partial ransom leading to the release of three more. The remaining hostages managed an escape into the night, eventually securing their freedom with the FBI's aid.

The trial evidence presented showcased Germine's involvement in every facet of the kidnapping plot. Germine masterminded the locations where hostages were kept, the ransom demands, and played a part in the decisions to release victims. His clear intent was to leverage the hostages for his release from incarceration. The FBI, in conjunction with multiple agencies including the ATF, CBP, DEA, DOD, U.S. Marshals Service, and the RCMP, worked diligently on the case. The valued collaboration with the Haitian government, Dominican Republic, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida was notable in the concerted efforts leading to Germine's conviction.

Bringing this case to a close involved a team of dedicated prosecutors, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert and Tom Saunders, supported by Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas. Victim advocacy and witness coordination were provided by Kimberly Paschall, Yvonne Bryant, Tonya Jones, and Guisela Castillo.