Jovenel Moise assassination plot: Florida jury convicts four men in 2021 Haiti case

A jury in Florida convicted four men on Friday for conspiracy linked to the 2021 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. US prosecutors said South Florida became a hub for organising and paying for the plot. The men were found guilty of a plan to remove Moise and install a replacement chosen by conspirators.

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Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla and James Solages were convicted of conspiring to kill or kidnap Haiti’s elected leader. The jury also convicted them of providing material support for the scheme. All four were found guilty of violating the US Neutrality Act. They could face life sentences.

South Florida planning and financing in Moise assassination case

Prosecutors alleged South Florida played a central role in the conspiracy’s logistics and funding. Ortiz and Intriago were principals of Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy and Counter Terrorist Unit Security. The entities were collectively known as CTU. Veintemilla was a principal of Worldwide Capital Lending Group. Both businesses were based in South Florida.

The trial began nearly two months ago in Miami. Prosecutors outlined how planning extended beyond Haiti’s borders. Officials said Solages worked as a CTU representative in Haiti. Investigators said Solages coordinated with Christian Sanon and other figures tied to the plan.

Details of Moise assassination and aftermath in Haiti

Moise was killed on July 7, 2021, after about two dozen foreign mercenaries stormed Moise’s home. Most attackers were from Colombia. The assault happened near Port-au-Prince. Moise’s wife, Martine, was wounded in the attack. Martine was flown to the US for medical treatment.

Moise’s assassination led to major turmoil in Haiti, prosecutors said. Gang leaders became more violent and more powerful after the killing. The case focused on a plan to oust Moise and select a new leader. Investigators said Christian Sanon was initially favoured as a replacement.

Christian Sanon and guilty pleas linked to Moise assassination

Christian Sanon is a dual Haitian-American citizen, according to investigators. Officials said Sanon will face trial at a later date. Prosecutors also pointed to broader admissions in the case. At least five other defendants have pleaded guilty in the conspiracy. Those individuals are serving life sentences.

The convictions in Florida marked a key step in the US case tied to Moise’s death. Prosecutors said the conspiracy relied on support networks in South Florida and contacts in Haiti. Ortiz, Intriago, Veintemilla and Solages now await sentencing. The jury verdict left open the next stages for remaining defendants, including Sanon.

With inputs from PTI