A federal judge in the District of Columbia has indicted Jimmy “Barbecue” Sherizier, a prominent gang leader in Haiti, for conspiring to breach U.S. sanctions.
This significant trial was initiated on July 17, but details of the case weren’t made public until recently. Until Tuesday, Sherizier and Basil “Fredopham” Richardson from North Carolina were designated as key figures in a broad conspiracy aimed at circumventing U.S. sanctions and facilitating Sherizier’s illicit activities. There are, reportedly, two other unnamed conspirators involved.
The scheme involved soliciting funds from Haitians residing in the U.S. to finance the gang’s operations, including paying for arms and salaries for Sherizier’s gang members.
“The FBI is dedicated to combating foreign terrorist organizations globally, and Sherizier’s gang is certainly included,” stated Darren Cox, assistant director in the FBI’s Criminal Investigation Division, during the announcement of the charges.
“Through robust intelligence, collaboration, and federal law, we aim to dismantle such organizations and eliminate those who endanger our communities,” he added.
According to Todd M. Lyon, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the indictment is the outcome of a “prolonged investigation into Sherizier’s unlawful activities.”
“His actions, which contribute to the oppression and violence in Haiti—including arms trafficking and human smuggling—reflect a ruthless disregard for human life. Today marks a step forward in holding him accountable,” Lyon said.
After the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, Sherizier’s gang has reportedly taken control of around 90% of Port-au-Prince, even with the deployment of hundreds of Kenyan police as part of a United Nations initiative aimed at bolstering Haitian security. Gangs have also been expanding into rural areas of Haiti, creating fear and displacing thousands, further threatening food security.
Recently, businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr stepped in as the likely head of Haiti’s transitional government, but Sherizier issued threats of a major attack aimed at toppling the administration. He indicated that the “fight to liberate the country” isn’t over, as gang violence continues to plague Port-au-Prince.
The U.S. Department of State has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to Sherizier’s arrest. Observers find it curious that he regularly posts video messages and engages with the media, given he is one of the most recognized figures in the Haitian gang landscape.
Sherizier, believed to be around 50 years old, formerly served in the Haitian National Police. His descent into criminality allegedly began while he was still on the force. He is linked to a horrific massacre in November 2018 that resulted in at least 71 deaths, widespread destruction of homes, and numerous allegations of sexual violence, with many victims brutally attacked.
This incident, known as the La Saline massacre, represents one of the most brutal episodes in recent Haitian history. Reports indicate that a mix of gang members and corrupt police operated under Sherizier’s direction, with allegations of involvement from two current officials in Moïse’s government. There are ongoing claims about political and business figures being connected to Sherizier and his gang.
Sherizier was expelled from the HNP following the La Saline massacre, and a warrant for his arrest was issued, yet he managed to establish a notorious criminal organization called the “G9 Family and Allies,” notorious for violence against Haitian civilians. He was individually sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 for human rights abuses.
In late 2023, Sherizier allied with the powerful gang G-Pep, combining forces to create a new coalition named Viv Ansanm (“Living Together”).
This new crime coalition has wreaked havoc across Haiti, taking over neighborhoods, attacking key infrastructure, and undermining the Ministry of Justice, Defense, and the Home Office. Viv Ansanm has ravaged hospitals and schools and disrupted transportation routes.
The chaos that ensued following Viv Ansanm’s formation was instrumental in reinforcing the position of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed control after Moïse’s assassination. He announced his resignation in February 2024, and the transitional government was then established two months later.
In May, Viv Ansanm celebrated its dominance with a public concert in Mirebalais. Dismayed by the inadequacy of police forces, rural Haitian populations attacked major power plants in June, plunging Port-au-Prince into darkness.
Viv Ansanm had been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in May 2025. Sherizier himself is labeled a specially designated global terrorist.
Despite his extensive history of violence and crime, Sherizier has ironically positioned himself as a “freedom warrior,” attempting to portray his actions as a revolutionary fight against corrupt governance. He often claims he won’t target those from humble backgrounds like his own; his mother sold fried chicken in the slums of Port-au-Prince.
In interviews, Sherizier draws comparisons to historic figures like Robin Hood and Martin Luther King Jr., attempting to present himself in a more favorable light to both human rights advocates and government representatives.
Lawyers from the District of Columbia emphasized that Sherizier’s crimes have affected U.S. citizens in Haiti.
“Our office is dedicated to apprehending Sherizier and prosecuting him, alongside others like Richardson, who facilitated financial support from the U.S. to Sherizier in contradiction to U.S. law,” said one attorney.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of Americans worldwide, and the gang violence that has devastated Haiti must come to an end,” the attorney added.
Sherizier’s co-conspirator, Basil Richardson, is a naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He’s described as having known Sherizier since childhood in Haiti.
“I grew up on barbecue. I’m not shy to say that the G9’s leader is my best friend—he’s like a brother to me,” Richardson stated in a voice message intercepted by authorities.
Prosecutors allege that Richardson funneled large sums of money from Haitian Americans to Sherizier’s gang.
Although some donations have amounted to significant sums, Richardson’s fundraising relied heavily on small contributions from numerous Haitians. He sought to engage those in the U.S. with bank accounts that could facilitate these transfers.
“Living in the U.S. provides me with a safety net. I’m defending my homeland, which is in turmoil,” he mentioned in an intercepted message.
Some of Richardson’s communications even suggest he expects Sherizier to kick off a “revolution” against the transitional government, with hopes of returning to Haiti as part of a new administration.
Richardson was arrested in Houston in July, following a two-year investigation that concluded he was aware that his actions violated U.S. sanctions.
