Jury Selection Begins in South Florida for Alleged Conspirators in 2021 Haitian President Assassination
Jury selection commenced on Monday, March 9, 2026, in the U.S. Federal trial of five individuals accused of playing roles in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. The defendants – Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, Christian Sanon, and James Solages – face serious charges, including conspiracy to kidnap or kill the former Haitian leader, and could potentially receive life sentences if convicted. All five have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. The trial, unfolding in South Florida, represents a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice following a brazen act that plunged Haiti into deeper political instability.
The assassination of President Moïse, which occurred on July 7, 2021, at his private residence near Port-au-Prince, sent shockwaves throughout the Caribbean nation and the international community. The event exacerbated an already fragile political climate, contributing to ongoing gang violence and a crumbling judicial system. This U.S. Trial is seen as a crucial step towards holding those responsible accountable, although a significant number of other individuals implicated in the plot remain at large. The case highlights the complexities of international crime and the challenges of prosecuting individuals involved in events that transpired overseas.
The Alleged Conspiracy: A South Florida Connection
Court documents reveal that South Florida served as a central hub for the planning and financing of the alleged plot to remove Moïse from power and replace him with a chosen successor. The prosecution alleges that the conspirators convened in South Florida in April 2021, where they formulated a plan that involved a potential coup d’état. The agreement reportedly stipulated that, should they succeed in installing Sanon as the new leader, lucrative contracts would be awarded to Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU) and Counter Terrorist Unit Security for infrastructure projects, security services, and military equipment. Worldwide Capital Lending Group, allegedly under the direction of Veintemilla, was purportedly involved in financing the operation.
Arcangel Pretel Ortiz and Antonio Intriago were principals of CTU Federal Academy and CTU Security, respectively, while Walter Veintemilla held a principal role at Worldwide Capital Lending Group. These companies, according to the indictment, were instrumental in providing logistical support and financial backing for the operation. The involvement of these entities underscores the alleged commercial motivations behind the plot, suggesting that the assassination was not solely driven by political ideology but as well by potential financial gain.
The Defendants and Their Alleged Roles
Each of the five defendants is accused of playing a distinct role in the conspiracy.
- Arcangel Pretel Ortiz: One of the five charged in the conspiracy to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
- Antonio Intriago: Also charged in the conspiracy to assassinate President Moïse.
- Walter Veintemilla: Accused of involvement in the plot, with ties to Worldwide Capital Lending Group.
- Christian Sanon: Allegedly intended to assume the presidency of Haiti following Moïse’s removal.
- James Solages: Another individual implicated in the conspiracy, with details of his specific role still emerging.
Notably, Arcangel Pretel Ortiz has a complex history, having previously served as an FBI informant. According to the Miami Herald, his work with the FBI involved providing testimony that led to the conviction of an arms trafficker linked to the FARC, a Colombian rebel group, in a politically sensitive case. The Grayzone reports that this history raises questions about potential connections between the individuals involved in the Haiti assassination and U.S. Intelligence agencies. The extent of Ortiz’s prior relationship with the FBI and whether it influenced the events in Haiti remains a subject of scrutiny.
Challenges and Implications for Haiti
The assassination of President Moïse triggered a period of intense political turmoil in Haiti, exacerbating existing challenges such as widespread poverty, gang violence, and a weak institutional framework. The country has struggled to establish a stable government and address the root causes of its instability. The ongoing investigation and the U.S. Trial are seen as critical steps towards restoring some semblance of order and accountability. However, the fact that many other individuals allegedly involved in the plot remain at large complicates the pursuit of justice.
The trial in South Florida is expected to shed light on the intricate network of individuals and organizations that allegedly conspired to carry out the assassination. It will also likely raise questions about the role of foreign actors and the flow of funds that facilitated the plot. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Haiti’s political future and its relationship with the international community. The case underscores the vulnerability of fragile states to external interference and the importance of strengthening governance and security institutions.
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation
Jury selection is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with the aim of seating a panel of jurors who can impartially assess the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense. The trial is expected to be lengthy and complex, involving numerous witnesses and a substantial amount of documentary evidence.
Authorities continue to investigate the broader network of individuals involved in the assassination plot, both in Haiti and abroad. The U.S. Department of Justice has indicated its commitment to pursuing all leads and bringing all those responsible to justice. The investigation is also focused on uncovering the full extent of the financial resources that were used to fund the operation and identifying any individuals or entities that may have provided support or assistance.
As the trial unfolds, the world will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to the victims’ families and contributes to a more stable and secure future for Haiti. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of political violence and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
World Today Journal will continue to provide updates on this developing story as it progresses. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives in the comments section below.