A federal court in Miami has convicted four men in connection with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. The convictions were announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday.
The individuals found guilty are Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages. They were convicted on charges including conspiracy to kill and kidnap a person outside the United States, conspiracy to provide material support resulting in death, and offenses against the United States.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting the group conspired to remove Moïse and install a preferred successor, with the aim of obtaining profitable government contracts in Haiti. The operation, which began in early 2021, reportedly involved recruiting individuals from the United States, Colombia, and Haiti, including former Colombian soldiers and Haitian gang figures.
Evidence also indicated that the conspirators' initial kidnapping plans failed before they proceeded with an assault on the president's private residence on July 7, 2021, during which Moïse was killed and his wife was injured. Sentencing for the four convicted men is pending.
