Haitian Hostage-Taker Sentenced to 16 Years

Alexandria, VA – A Port-au-Prince resident has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in a ruthless plot to kidnap and hold American citizens for ransom.

Samson Jolibois, 47, was handed a 192-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit hostage taking. He was also ordered to pay over $32,000 in restitution.

Jolibois pleaded guilty on February 27, 2015, to the charges brought against him. According to court documents, he was part of a violent criminal group that targeted U.S. citizens of Haitian descent who had returned to visit Haiti. The group believed these individuals to be from wealthy families.

The hostages were taken at gunpoint from outside their residences and held captive for several days while the group demanded ransom money from their families. In one case, a victim was rescued by Haitian law enforcement, while another managed to escape captivity.

The FBI’s Miami Field Office investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Ben’Ary prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady presided over the sentencing.

The case highlights the brutal tactics employed by this group of kidnappers, who showed no regard for human life or dignity. It also underscores the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring these perpetrators to justice.

As the nation grapples with the complexities of international crime, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by American citizens abroad.

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