Federal prosecutors indicted a Haitian gang leader Tuesday on charges connected to the killing of an American woman and kidnapping her husband while the couple was visiting the island nation last year.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia charged Vitel’homme Innocent, 37, with federal hostage-taking offenses for the alleged kidnapping that took place in October 2022. 

The attorney’s office previously charged Mr. Innocent in 2021 over the kidnapping of 16 Americans — including five children — who were held hostage for two months. They were released after ransom payments were made on their behalf.  

Mr. Innocent, the leader of the Kraze Barye gang in Haiti, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. 

“We remain steadfast in our mission to hold those responsible for violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in Haiti,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves. “The gangs and gang leaders in Haiti must be held accountable for their atrocities committed against innocent civilians. We will utilize all methods at our disposal to apprehend and prosecute those who commit such heinous acts.”

On Oct. 7, 2022, prosecutors said Mr. Innocent ordered his gang to break into the home of Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin.

Ms. Franklin was shot and killed during the kidnapping, while Mr. Franklin was held hostage for three weeks until ransom payments were made to the gang. 

Mr. Innocent faces a maximum sentence of life in prison — and possibly the death penalty — if arrested and convicted of all charges.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.