Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Texas announced that Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country and production of child pornography.
According to court documents, the men allegedly conspired between August 2024 and July 2025 to lead an unlawful “expeditionary force” to Gonâve Island, part of the Republic of Haiti. Their plan, prosecutors say, was to murder all men on the island and then enslave women and children to fulfill violent sexual fantasies.
Details of the Plot
Investigators allege the pair:
• Planned to buy a sailboat, firearms, and ammunition to carry out the invasion.
• Attempted to recruit homeless people in Washington, D.C. as mercenaries for the coup.
• Took Haitian Creole language classes to prepare for the takeover.
• Enrolled in schools to gain skills useful for the plot, including fire academy training and military service.
• Thomas allegedly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force specifically to acquire military skills for the scheme.
Court filings also accuse the men of coercing a minor into sex acts on camera in August 2024, leading to the child pornography charge.
Law Enforcement Response
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Celina Police Department. Prosecutors emphasized that the indictment is an allegation, and both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted:
• The conspiracy to commit murder abroad charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
• The child pornography charge carries 15 to 30 years in prison.
Broader Context
Gonâve Island, located in the Gulf of Gonâve, has a population of about 87,000 people. The alleged plot underscores the disturbing reach of extremist fantasies and the dangers posed when individuals attempt to operationalize them.
Legal experts note that while the scheme may sound “impossible and absurd,” the indictment reflects serious planning and intent, including recruitment efforts, training, and logistical preparation.
Conclusion
The indictment of Weisenburg and Thomas has stunned both Texas and Haiti, highlighting the intersection of violent extremism, exploitation, and criminal fantasy. As the case moves forward, federal authorities are expected to pursue maximum penalties, sending a clear message that such plots will be met with the full force of U.S. law.
In summary: Two Texas men face federal charges for allegedly plotting to invade Haiti’s Gonâve Island, kill its men, and enslave women and children. Prosecutors say they trained for nearly a year, recruited mercenaries, and even enlisted in the military to prepare. Both face life in prison if convicted.