Two Haitian Nationals Sentenced for Hostage Taking

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Monclaire Saint Louis, 29, and Ulriste Tulin, 40, both from of Carrefour, Haiti, were each sentenced to 20 years in prison today for conspiracy to commit hostage taking, hostage taking and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Both men were ordered to pay $49,000 in restitution to their victims, and will be removed from the United States upon release from prison.

Saint Louis and Tulin were found guilty after a jury trial on Dec. 16, 2016. According to the evidence presented at trial, Saint Louis and Tulin specifically targeted victims they believed had money and would pay a ransom. Saint Louis and Tulin abducted two United States citizens separately, the first on June 2, 2012, and the second on July 9, 2012. Both victims were women, including one who was 68 years old, and each were held for ransom. The first victim was able to escape after eight days and Haitian law enforcement authorities rescued the second victim after four days.

According to evidence presented at trial, multiple firearms were used to abduct each woman from their respective family. A third co-conspirator, Samson Jolibois, pleaded guilty on to his role in the abductions on Feb. 27, 2015, and testified at trial. Multiple Haitian law enforcement officers traveled to the United States to testify at the trial.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Walutes, Jr. prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-cr-173.