FBI Removes Vitel’homme from its List

The FBI has removed Vitel’homme Innocent from its list of wanted persons. In a statement explaining Innocent’s removal from the list, the FBI said that, although he "remains at large, he no longer meets the criteria established for his continued presence on the list." The agency acknowledged that "despite a thorough investigation and extensive media coverage of the case since 2023, the gang leader known as 'Kraze Barye' who lives in Haiti, has not been apprehended." Although Innocent has been removed from the FBI’s Most Wanted list, the agency stated that "the ongoing investigation to apprehend him continues".

Miami : Haitian Pastor Accused of Sexually Assaulting a Minor

According to Miami-Dade County authorities, Elco Vallier, a 50-year-old Haitian national described as a pastor at the Theophile Church of Miami, was arrested on February 12, 2026, following accusations by a 15-year-old girl and her mother. Authorities arranged for a recorded phone call between the minor and the suspect. Investigators reportedly heard the man making sexually suggestive remarks to the teenager, which led to an arrest warrant. The pastor was released on $27,500 bail a few days later.

Electrocution at a market in Pétion-ville

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, on Grégoire Street in Pétion-Ville, Yverna, a vegetable vendor, lost her life and five other people were injured by electrocution after a high-voltage cable snapped and fell. Authorities have not yet released reports on the condition of those hospitalized in the emergency room.

Two kidnapped girls found dead

On Thursday, February 19, at Carrefour, in the 4th communal section of Pickmy in Anse-à-Galets, the lifeless bodies of two girls, aged 4 and 6, were discovered. The two victims had been kidnapped the previous day from their home, according to the Vice-Delegate of La Gonâve, Ednel Desir.

"Carnival of Kidnappings"

During the carnival season, more than a dozen kidnappings were reported in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, particularly in the Delmas district.

Workshop on Women and Girls Victims of Violence

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs launched a three-day inter-institutional workshop to strengthen the coordination of support for women and girls who are victims of violence. The workshop aims to improve understanding of the issues related to gender-based violence, harmonize coordination tools and protocols, and strengthen Women’s Centers and the 8919 hotline. Minister Pedrica Saint Jean emphasized the importance of cooperation between the health, justice, public security, and social affairs sectors.

HL/ HaitiLibre