UNITED STATES-Former Haitian legislator pleads guilty to charges related to President Moise’s murder

Miami, CMC: A former Haitian legislator, who was deported from Jamaica, where he was arrested early last year, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19 in a federal court after he pleaded guilty on Tuesday to criminal charges linked to the murder of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

Moise was gunned down at his private residence on July 7, 2020. His wife, Martine, was also injured during the incident and had to be flown to the United States for medical treatment.

Former senator Joseph Joel John was guilty of conspiracy to kill and kidnap a person outside the United States, providing material support to carry out a violation resulting in a death, and conspiracy to provide such support.

He is one of 11 defendants and could face life in prison when he comes up for sentencing.

The former legislator, who had fled to Jamaica following the assassination of Moise, pleaded guilty to providing material support to the plot to kill the Haitian president, including rental vehicles used by the conspirators, introductions to gangs whose support they sought, and attempts to procure weapons.

In a statement before the court, John said he was present at meetings where Moise’s assassination was discussed, including one the night before the killing. Several former Colombian soldiers have also been arrested in connection with the assassination.

In a separate plea agreement, the court said John could face a life sentence and a fine of up to US$250,000 for each of the three counts.

His guilty plea follows that of retired Colombian army officer German Rivera last month and dual Haitian-Chilean citizen Rodolphe Jaar in March.

Rivera’s sentencing is set for October 27, while Jaar was given a life sentence.

Ever since Moise’s killing, the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country has been plunged into social, economic, and political chaos, with the United Nations Security Council last week agreeing to a resolution to send an international military force under the command of Kenya to help restore peace and security on the island.