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Alleged 400 Mawozo Founder Joly Germine Sentenced to Life for 2021 Missionary Kidnappings

Joly Germine, accused founder of the 400 Mawozo gang, received a life sentence in Washington for orchestrating the Oct. 16, 2021, kidnapping of 17 people — 16 Americans and one Canadian — including five children. Prosecutors say Germine ran the gang from prison using unmonitored cellphones and initially demanded $17 million before seeking his release in exchange for the hostages. Germine denies leading the gang; he was also earlier sentenced to 35 years for a separate firearms-smuggling conviction.

08:03 AM, 12/04/2025Security
Alleged 400 Mawozo Founder Joly Germine Sentenced to Life for 2021 Missionary Kidnappings

Joly Germine, accused founder and leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., for his role in the Oct. 16, 2021, abduction of 17 people — 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian — who were traveling on a missionary trip to Haiti. The group included five children, one an 8-month-old infant.

Court proceedings and victims' statements

Germine, 34, said nothing as U.S. District Judge John Bates imposed the life term. The judge observed, "No remorse has been shown by Mr. Germine. No acceptance of responsibility." Several victims addressed the court; some spoke of forgiveness. Ray Noecker, whose wife Cheryl and their five children were seized, described the ordeal as a "life-changing experience" and told Germine he hopes he finds "God's peace." He added: "True freedom is not found outside of prison walls. True freedom is found inside your own heart."

Prosecutors' case

Federal prosecutors, who had sought a life sentence, say Germine ran 400 Mawozo from inside a Haitian prison using unmonitored cellphones to remain in constant contact with other senior figures — many of them relatives. They allege he directed operations, controlled finances and supplied weapons. Prosecutors contend the kidnappings were intended to secure Germine's release in exchange for the hostages. The kidnappers initially demanded $17 million — roughly $1 million per captive — before later seeking Germine's freedom instead of a ransom.

Defense account and background

Germine's attorneys deny he led the gang. They say he became involved in local politics and allowed farmers to cultivate land he owned, arguing he "genuinely tried to help his countrymen, especially those that did not have much," because public services in Haiti were limited.

Related convictions and timeline

Germine was the first person charged in connection with the mass abduction and was transferred to the United States after a May 2022 indictment. A jury convicted him earlier this year on charges including conspiracy to commit hostage-taking. Separately, he was convicted in a plot to smuggle semiautomatic firearms from the United States to Haiti; for that offense Judge Bates previously sentenced him to 35 years in prison.

The hostages were seized near Port-au-Prince on Oct. 16, 2021. Two were freed in November 2021 and three more were released in early December. The remaining 12 escaped later in December after being held at gunpoint for 62 days, according to prosecutors.

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