"Texas Men Indicted in Shocking Plot to Enslave Haitian Families"

Texas Men Indicted in Plot to Take Over Haitian Island and Enslave Women and Children Two men from North Texas, Gavin Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Thomas, 20, of Argyle, have been charged with a shocking plot to overthrow the Haitian island of Gonave through a violent coup, involving the murder of all men and enslavement of women and children. According to an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, the conspirators planned to take over the island, murder all men, and enslave the women and children as "sex slaves." The indictment alleges that Weisenburg and Thomas, along with other co-conspirators, conducted extensive research and planning, including seeking training to carry out their heinous plan. The plot, which was uncovered by the Justice Department, is believed to have been in the works for some time, with the conspirators using online platforms to discuss and coordinate their actions. The alleged plan to take over Gonave Island is a disturbing example of the growing threat of domestic terrorism, according to experts. "This case highlights the need for law enforcement to be vigilant in identifying and disrupting plots like this before they can be carried out," said a spokesperson for the Justice Department. Weisenburg and Thomas face life imprisonment for conspiracy and up to 30 years for producing child pornography, according to the indictment. The indictment also alleges that the conspirators planned to use the island as a base to engage in other illicit activities, including human trafficking and the production of child pornography. The Haitian government has been made aware of the plot and is working closely with U.S. authorities to ensure the safety of the island's residents. "We take these allegations very seriously and are working closely with our international partners to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice," said a spokesperson for the Haitian government. The indictment was filed on November 23, 2023, and Weisenburg and Thomas are currently being held without bail. Their trial is expected to take place in the coming months. In a statement, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas said, "The charges filed today demonstrate our commitment to protecting the citizens of Haiti and holding accountable those who would seek to harm them. We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle plots like this, and bring those responsible to justice." The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online radicalization and the need for law enforcement to be proactive in identifying and disrupting plots like this before they can be carried out. As one expert noted, "This case highlights the importance of online monitoring and the need for law enforcement to be proactive in identifying and disrupting plots like this before they can be carried out."