World · Latin America · 1 day ago
US missionary detained in Haiti over child abuse allegations
Haitian police say US missionary Thomas Osbeck was detained on 30 September in Cap-Haitien.
He runs an orphanage in the Morne Rouge area and was accused of operating it without authorization.
Police say a review of his phone found explicit messages sent to children.
Twelve children, including 11 girls aged 7 to 17, underwent medical examinations.
The allegations have not been described as a court finding, and it was unclear whether Osbeck had a lawyer.
Police spokesperson Arold Jean said he expects Osbeck to be extradited to the United States.
The case comes as another US missionary, Maylon Foshee, faces a separate US federal case over alleged sexual conduct with minors in Haiti.
Haiti police said a US missionary was detained after allegations of child abuse and operating an unauthorized orphanage.
Police spokesperson Arold Jean said US authorities arrested Thomas Osbeck in Cap-Haïtien on 30 September.
Jean said a review of Osbeck’s phone found explicit messages sent to children.
Twelve children, including 11 girls aged 7 to 17, underwent medical examinations, police said.
Jean said he expected Osbeck to be extradited to the United States.
- Who
- Thomas Osbeck, a US missionary who runs an orphanage.
- What
- He was arrested and detained following child abuse allegations and an allegation that he operated an unauthorized orphanage.
- When
- US authorities arrested him on 30 September; police announced the detention on Friday.
- Where
- Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. The orphanage is in the Morne Rouge area.
- Why
- Police said he lacked authorization to operate the orphanage and that his phone contained explicit messages sent to children.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Upon investigation, the police discovered that he lacked the necessary authorization to operate the orphanage.
revealed explicit messages sent to children
US authorities arrested Osbeck in Cap-Haïtien, according to police spokesperson Arold Jean.
Police reviewed Osbeck’s phone and arranged medical examinations for 12 children, Jean said.
Haiti police announced Osbeck’s detention.
- Arrest date
- 30 September
- Arrest location
- Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
- Orphanage location
- Morne Rouge area
- Children examined
- 12, including 11 girls aged 7 to 17
- Expected next step
- Police spokesperson said he expected Osbeck to be extradited to the US
Sources
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