WASHINGTON D.C. – Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment today targeting Jimmy Cherizier, 48, of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and his U.S. accomplice, Bazile Richardson, 48, a naturalized U.S. citizen. The pair stand accused of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions by funneling money from the United States to Cherizier, known on the streets as ‘Barbecue,’ to fuel his brutal gang activities in Haiti. Cherizier remains a fugitive, believed to be hiding within Haiti itself.
Richardson, also known as “Fredo,” “Fred Lion,” “Leo Danger,” and “Lepe Blode,” was apprehended on July 23 in Pasadena, Texas. He is slated to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. today. The Department of Justice is offering a substantial reward – up to $5 million – through the State Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for information leading to Cherizier’s arrest or conviction. Tipsters are urged to contact Rewards for Justice immediately.
“There’s a good reason that there’s a $5 million reward for information leading to Cherizier’s arrest,” stated U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “He’s a gang leader responsible for heinous human rights abuses, including violence against American citizens in Haiti.” Pirro detailed Cherizier’s history of bloodshed, specifically citing the 2018 La Saline massacre where 71 people were murdered, over 400 homes destroyed, and at least seven women were subjected to horrific sexual assault by armed gangs under his command. She emphasized the U.S. Attorney’s office’s unwavering commitment to bringing Cherizier to justice, as well as pursuing individuals like Richardson who actively support his criminal enterprise by violating U.S. sanctions.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Cherizier and a U.S. associate sought to raise funds in the United States to bankroll Cherizier’s violent criminal enterprise, which is driving a security crisis in Haiti.” Eisenberg made it clear that the National Security Division will not tolerate criminal gang fundraising within U.S. borders, vowing to continue targeting those who enable the violence and instability plaguing Haiti. The FBI is also heavily involved, with Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox of the Criminal Investigative Division declaring the bureau’s commitment to dismantling foreign terrorist organizations, and that Cherizier’s gang falls squarely into that category.
Federal authorities painted a picture of a sophisticated network of financial support. Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons stated that the investigation revealed Cherizier’s actions to fund oppression and slaughter in Haiti, including firearm procurement, trafficking networks, and the movement of U.S. dollars, all in violation of sanctions. FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami highlighted the collaborative effort of multiple agencies, including HSI Washington Field Office, the ATF, and the DEA, alongside close cooperation from the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince and the Department of State’s Rewards Program.
Court documents reveal Cherizier’s background as a former officer in the Haitian National Police, now allegedly leading a violent criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges a deliberate scheme to circumvent U.S. sanctions and provide material support to Cherizier’s gang, Viv Ansanm, which is responsible for widespread violence and illicit financial activity both in Haiti and potentially beyond. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated as authorities work to dismantle this transnational criminal network and bring those responsible to account.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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