Justice Advances in Jovenel Moïse Assassination Case

A federal court in Miami has found four men guilty in connection with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, bringing a major development in the international investigation into the 2021 killing that shocked Haiti and the wider Caribbean.

The United States Department of Justice announced Friday that Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages were convicted on multiple charges tied to the conspiracy to remove and assassinate the Haitian leader.

Prosecutors said the group planned to replace Moïse with a preferred successor in hopes of securing profitable government contracts in Haiti. The convictions include conspiracy to kill and kidnap a person outside the United States, conspiracy to provide material support resulting in death, and offences against the United States. Intriago was also convicted on charges linked to smuggling tactical equipment from the United States and filing false export documents.

“This verdict delivers justice for the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and holds accountable those who helped turn South Florida into a staging ground for a deadly foreign plot,” said prosecutor Jason A. Reding Quiñones.

Evidence presented during the trial showed the operation began in early 2021 and involved recruiting allies in the United States, Colombia, and Haiti, including 22 former Colombian soldiers and Haitian gang figures.

Investigators said several kidnapping plans failed before the conspirators ultimately decided to attack the president’s private residence on July 7, 2021. During the assault, Moïse was fatally shot while First Lady Martine Moïse was seriously injured.

Court testimony revealed that Veintemilla allegedly financed the operation through a US$175,000 loan tied to pandemic relief funds from the United States. Prosecutors also described Pretel Ortiz as directing tactical operations while Solages coordinated activities within Haiti.

All four men now face possible life sentences. Sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra following consideration of federal sentencing guidelines.

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