US Missionary Detained in Haiti Amid Child Abuse Allegations
Haitian police say US missionary Thomas Osbeck was detained after members of the public brought him to authorities. Police allege he lacked approval to operate an orphanage and that his phone...
US missionary Thomas Osbeck has been detained in Haiti after allegations involving children at an orphanage he runs in the Morne Rouge area.
Arold Jean, spokesperson for the Cap-Haitien police department, said US authorities arrested Osbeck in Haiti on 30 September after members of the public brought him to police.
Jean said an investigation found that Osbeck did not have the required authorisation to operate the orphanage. Police also reviewed his mobile phone and, according to Jean, found explicit messages sent to children.
Children examined
Twelve children were subsequently given medical examinations, Jean said. The group included 11 girls aged between 7 and 17.
The police statements describe allegations and investigative findings; the available information does not give the results of the medical examinations or indicate whether charges have been filed against Osbeck.
Jean said he expects Osbeck to be extradited to the United States. It was not immediately clear whether the missionary had legal representation.
Separate case involving US missionary
The detention comes against the background of another case involving an American missionary in Haiti. Maylon Foshee, a 23-year-old man from Louisiana, has been charged with illicit sexual conduct with minors in Haiti.
US authorities allege that Foshee sexually abused children while working as a missionary in Gonaïves. He is due to return to a US federal court on Monday.
The available information does not state the outcome of Foshee’s court proceedings or any extradition proceedings involving Osbeck.
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