A federal jury in Miami convicted four men on May 8 for their involvement in the July 7, 2021, assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages were found guilty of multiple charges including conspiracy to provide material support resulting in death, conspiracy to kill and kidnap a person outside the United States, and expedition against a friendly nation. Intriago faced additional convictions related to smuggling goods from the U.S. and submitting false export information. All four face life sentences; sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said: “These defendants conspired to replace and ultimately to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Using U.S. soil as a staging ground for a violent plot overseas is a grave violation of our laws and, more fundamentally, our sovereignty. We commend the investigative and prosecution team for their exceptional work.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said: “This verdict delivers justice for the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and holds accountable those who helped turn South Florida into a staging ground for a deadly foreign plot... The jury has spoken, and the rule of law has answered.” FBI Assistant Director Heith Janke added: “Those convicted today played key roles in furthering the capacity for political violence with the aim of reaping financial benefits... Those involved faced justice for their disregard for the rule of law and the life of another human being.”
According to trial evidence, Pretel Ortiz directed tactical planning while Intriago managed logistics such as payroll and equipment shipments from Miami to Haiti. Veintemilla financed operations through loans tied to pandemic relief funds while Solages coordinated with local gang leaders in Haiti and participated directly in surveillance ahead of the attack that killed President Moïse at his residence.
The investigation was led by FBI Miami and Homeland Security Investigations Miami with assistance from several federal agencies including State Department offices; prosecution was handled by attorneys from both local U.S. Attorney’s Office staff—an office that covers over 15,000 square miles across nine counties serving more than seven million people—and Justice Department’s National Security Division according to its official website.
Special Agent Brett Skiles said: “Today’s verdict sends an unequivocal message: The United States will not serve as a staging ground for those seeking to destabilize foreign nations through violence... By holding these four men accountable... we are honoring the rule of law.” Acting Special Agent Jose R. Figueroa concluded: “HSI and our partners followed evidence across jurisdictions...to help hold accountable those responsible for this heinous plot.”
