February 16, 2026
U.S. authorities have initiated federal prosecutions against Francesca Charles, a 28-year-old American citizen, as well as two Haitian brothers based in Florida, Jacques and Jeff Pierre. They are accused of having set up a structured scheme for the illegal export of firearms to Haiti, concealed behind ordinary commercial shipments.
The investigation accelerated after the interception in February 2025 of a container bound for Haiti containing a significant arsenal, seized by Dominican authorities. The manifest listed simple household goods, whereas it was transporting assault rifles, pistols, large quantities of ammunition, and a silencer device.
Investigations revealed an abnormally high purchasing pace, with dozens of weapons acquired over a period of less than a year. Some of these purchases involved identical models, including .50 caliber military-style rifles, rarely associated with civilian use.
Travel and logistics evidence reinforced suspicions, revealing synchronization between weapon purchases, cargo shipments, and the suspects’ movements in the region. Their presence in the Dominican Republic shortly before the container seizure constituted a key element of the case.
If convicted, each faces up to twenty years in federal prison. The case, led by several U.S. agencies, is part of a broader strategy to combat transnational criminal networks fueling armed violence in the region.
