An indictment was unsealed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., charging Jimmy Cherizier, known as “Barbecue,” and Bazile Richardson with conspiring to transfer funds from the United States to support gang activities in Haiti. The charges allege that these actions violated U.S. sanctions imposed on Cherizier.
Cherizier, a former officer in the Haitian National Police and leader of the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies, is currently a fugitive believed to be in Haiti. Richardson, a naturalized U.S. citizen also known by several aliases including “Fredo” and “Fred Lion,” was arrested on July 23 in Pasadena, Texas. He is expected to make his initial court appearance today in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program has announced a reward of 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 Jeanine Ferris 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.”
“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,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “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.”
"The FBI is committed to confronting foreign terrorist organizations wherever they operate, and Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier’s gang is no exception," said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. "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.”
“The unsealing of this indictment marks the results of a lengthy investigation into Jimmy Cherizier’s criminal activities,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “His actions to fund the oppression and slaughter of Haitians, including firearm procurement and trafficking networks, fundraising activities, movement and usage of U.S. dollars, and violations of sanctions, are unconscionable — but today marks a step towards accountability.”
“The FBI is dedicated to disrupting and dismantling transnational gangs, such as Viv Ansanm, who spread violence and engage in illicit finance activities – whether here or overseas,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami. “I commend the dedication and collaboration of our partners in this investigation to include HSI Washington Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 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.”
According to court documents cited by prosecutors during these proceedings (https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1191), since being designated as a Specially Designated National (SDN) by OFAC on December 10th 2020 due to his role in serious human rights abuses—including involvement with mass killings—Cherizier has been subject to strict prohibitions preventing any transactions between him or entities under his control with persons within US jurisdiction unless specifically licensed.
Authorities allege that after this designation both men led efforts involving individuals based both domestically within America as well as abroad aimed at raising funds supporting gang operations despite existing sanctions frameworks barring such conduct.
Funds solicited from members among Haitian diaspora communities were reportedly sent via intermediaries before ultimately reaching recipients aligned with these criminal enterprises; receipts documenting transfers would then be forwarded back as proof-of-payment while proceeds were used primarily toward paying salaries or purchasing firearms through illegal channels inside Haiti.
The case involves multiple agencies: The FBI Miami Field Office alongside HSI Washington Field Office lead investigations—with support from ATF & DEA—as well as additional assistance provided by other regional offices across Houston Boston Charlotte & Miami respectively; prosecution efforts involve attorneys from both local DC offices & national security divisions together with input from various US Attorneys’ Offices across Florida Texas North Carolina plus coordination with diplomatic posts like US Embassy Port-au-Prince.
