March 17, 2026
Jean Wiltene Eugene, a U.S. citizen born in Haiti, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $20,000 for organizing the illegal export of firearms to Haiti. According to federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro, the sentence represents “a significant step forward in the fight against arms trafficking that fuels violence and instability in the country.”
In addition to prison time, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia also imposed 24 months of supervised release. The Department of Justice reminded the public that such offenses are punishable by up to ten years in prison and heavy financial penalties.
The charges against Eugene date back to 2020 and 2021, when he used an export company based in Florida to ship vehicles loaded with concealed firearms to Haiti. The weapons were hidden under food supplies in an attempt to evade U.S. customs inspections.
Eugene was arrested in Key West on May 4, 2024. He admitted to purchasing several firearms in his own name and sending them to his gas station in Haiti. During the investigation, he confessed to knowingly violating federal regulations.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti reiterated its firm stance against logistical support to gangs: “We will arrest you, we will fine you, and we will deport you.” The FBI and other partner agencies continue operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks that fuel insecurity across Haitian territory.
