Archive · 10 Oct 2026
US Missionary Detained in Haiti Over Alleged Child Abuse
Haitian police say a U.S. missionary named Thomas Osbeck was arrested in Haiti.
They allege he ran an orphanage without the required paperwork.
Police said they found explicit messages to children on his phone.
At least 12 minors were found at the orphanage.
At least a dozen children had medical examinations.
Police said Osbeck may be sent to the United States, but it was not clear whether he had a lawyer.
The article also reports on separate abuse charges against another missionary, Maylon Foshee.
It mentions Michael Geilenfeld, who was convicted last year of sexually abusing boys at an orphanage.
Haitian police said U.S. authorities arrested missionary Thomas Osbeck in Cap-Haitien on September 30.
Police allege Osbeck ran an orphanage without required paperwork and found explicit messages to children on his phone.
Authorities found at least 12 minors at the orphanage, and at least a dozen children underwent medical examinations.
Police said Osbeck may be extradited to the United States; it was unclear whether he had an attorney.
The report also describes separate abuse charges against Maylon Foshee and a past conviction of Michael Geilenfeld.
- Who
- Thomas Osbeck, a U.S. missionary, was detained, according to Haitian police.
- What
- He faces allegations of child abuse and operating an orphanage without required paperwork; police said they found explicit messages to children on his phone.
- When
- U.S. authorities arrested him on September 30; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- Cap-Haitien, Haiti.
- Why
- Police cited allegations of child abuse and the operation of an orphanage without required paperwork.
- Suspect
- Thomas Osbeck, a U.S. missionary
- Arrest
- U.S. authorities arrested Osbeck on September 30, according to a Haitian police spokesperson.
- Location
- Cap-Haitien, Haiti
- Orphanage status
- Police said Osbeck lacked the required paperwork to operate the orphanage.
- Children
- Authorities found at least 12 minors; at least a dozen children underwent medical examinations.
- Phone evidence
- Police said a review of Osbeck's phone found explicit messages sent to children.
- Possible next step
- A police spokesperson said he expected Osbeck to be extradited to the United States.