An indictment unsealed in Washington, D.C., charges Jimmy Cherizier, known as “Barbecue,” and Bazile Richardson with conspiring to transfer funds from the United States to support gang activities in Haiti. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Ferris Pirro, announced that Cherizier remains a fugitive believed to be in Haiti, while Richardson was arrested in Pasadena, Texas, and is expected to appear in court.
The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program has offered up to $5 million for information leading to Cherizier’s arrest or conviction.
“There’s a good reason that there’s a $5 million reward for information leading to Cherizier’s arrest. He’s a gang leader responsible for heinous human rights abuses, including violence against American citizens in Haiti,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The U.S. government sanctioned Cherizier in 2020 because he was responsible for an ongoing campaign of violence, including the 2018 La Saline massacre, in which 71 people were killed, more than 400 houses were destroyed, and at least seven women raped by armed gangs. The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to apprehending Cherizier and bringing him to justice, along with individuals like defendant Richardson, who has sent money and other support to Cherizier from the United States in violation of U.S. sanctions. Our office is committed to keeping Americans safe anywhere in the world, and the gang violence that has ravaged Haiti must end.”
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg stated: “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… The National Security Division does not tolerate criminal gang fundraising in the United States, and will continue to pursue those who enable Haiti’s violence and instability.”
FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox commented: “The FBI is committed to confronting foreign terrorist organizations wherever they operate, and Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier’s gang is no exception… Through intelligence, partnerships and the full weight of federal law, we are dismantling FTO’s and rooting out those who threaten the safety of our communities.”
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons said: “The unsealing of this indictment marks the results of a lengthy investigation into Jimmy Cherizier’s criminal activities… His actions to fund the oppression and slaughter of Haitians… are unconscionable — but today marks a step towards accountability.”
FBI Special Agent Brett Skiles noted collaboration among agencies: “The FBI is dedicated to disrupting and dismantling transnational gangs such as Viv Ansanm… I commend the dedication and collaboration of our partners… We especially thank the U.S. Embassy Port au Prince for their close cooperation and the Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for their robust $5 million reward for Cherizier.”
Court documents state that Cherizier previously served as an officer with Haitian National Police before leading Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies—a group that formed an alliance called Viv Ansanm opposing Haiti’s government.
In December 2020, after being designated as a Specially Designated National (SDN) by OFAC due to his involvement in serious human rights abuses—including events like the La Saline massacre—U.S persons have been prohibited from conducting transactions with him without specific approval.
According to allegations detailed in court filings since his SDN designation took effect late 2020, both men led efforts involving individuals across several countries—including members of Haitian diaspora within the United States—to solicit money transfers supporting gang operations despite sanctions.
Funds collected were reportedly used primarily for paying salaries within his organization as well as acquiring firearms through illicit channels inside Haiti.
Multiple federal agencies contributed significantly throughout this investigation including various field offices from both FBI (Miami; Houston; Boston; Charlotte) and HSI (Washington; Miami), alongside assistance from ATF and DEA units.
Prosecution responsibilities fall on Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas N. Saunders (District of Columbia) and Trial Attorney Beau Barnes (National Security Division), supported by several current/former prosecutors plus additional aid from other district attorney offices across Florida/Texas/North Carolina—and coordination with both Department of State officials and staff at U.S Embassy Port-au-Prince.
