Plano, Texas, November 22, 2025
Two North Texas men, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg and Tanner Christopher Thomas, have been indicted for conspiring to invade Gonâve Island in Haiti, with motives to kill all the men and enslave the women and children. Their actions, which included operational planning and recruitment, have led to serious charges, including conspiracy to murder and production of child pornography. The investigation is ongoing, with significant penalties potentially looming if convicted.
Plano, Texas: Two Men Indicted in Alleged Plot to Invade Haitian Island
Plano, Texas – Two North Texas men have been indicted for allegedly plotting to invade Gonâve Island in Haiti, with plans to kill all the men and enslave the women and children. Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle, face charges of conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country, and production of child pornography.
Details of the Alleged Plot
Between August 2024 and July 2025, Weisenburg and Thomas are accused of conspiring to recruit and lead an unlawful expeditionary force to Gonâve Island, part of the Republic of Haiti. Their alleged objective was to murder all the men on the island and enslave the women and children. The indictment indicates that they planned to purchase a sailboat, firearms, and ammunition, and recruit members from the Washington, D.C., homeless population to serve as a mercenary force.
Preparations and Actions Taken
The indictment details several actions taken by the accused to further their alleged plan:
- Operational and Logistical Planning: Developing strategies for the invasion.
- Language Acquisition: Learning Haitian Creole to communicate effectively.
- Recruitment Efforts: Attempting to enlist others to join the invasion.
- Skill Development: Enrolling in programs to acquire relevant skills; Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to gain military training pertinent to the invasion plan.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Both men have been charged with conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country, which carries a potential sentence of up to life in federal prison. They are also charged with production of child pornography, which could result in a sentence of 15 to 30 years in federal prison.
Background on Gonâve Island
Gonâve Island is the largest island in Haiti, with a population of approximately 85,000 people. It is situated off the coast of the mainland and is known for its isolation and limited access to resources.
Investigation and Authorities Involved
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Celina Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker is prosecuting the case.
Presumption of Innocence
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges have been brought against Gavin Rivers Weisenburg and Tanner Christopher Thomas?
They have been charged with conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country, and production of child pornography.
What was the alleged plan involving Gonâve Island?
The indictment alleges that the two men conspired to invade Gonâve Island, kill all the men, and enslave the women and children.
What are the potential penalties if convicted?
If convicted of the conspiracy charge, they face up to life in federal prison. The production of child pornography charge carries a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years in federal prison.
Who is investigating this case?
The FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Celina Police Department are conducting the investigation.
What is the presumption of the defendants?
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Gavin Rivers Weisenburg (21, Allen, Texas) and Tanner Christopher Thomas (20, Argyle, Texas) |
| Charges | Conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country; production of child pornography |
| Alleged Plan | Invade Gonâve Island, kill all men, enslave women and children |
| Potential Penalties | Up to life in federal prison for conspiracy charge; 15 to 30 years for child pornography charge |
| Investigation | FBI, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Celina Police Department |
| Presumption of Innocence | Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law |
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