Haitian sentenced to life in prison for kidnappings

A man alleged to be the founder and leader of a Haitian gang was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison for orchestrating the kidnapping of 17 people, including five children, who were on a missionary trip to the Caribbean country.

- By MicHAEL KUNZELMAN

Joly Germine declined to say anything before U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington sentenced him.

“No remorse has been shown by Mr. Germine. No acceptance of responsibility,” the judge said.

Some of the kidnapping victims chose to speak in court, telling Germine that they forgive him for his role in their ordeal.

Ray Noecker, whose wife, Cheryl, and five children were held hostage, said it was a “life-changing experience” for their family. He turned to Germine and told him that he hopes he finds “God's peace.”

“True freedom is not found outside of prison walls. True freedom is found inside your own heart,” Noecker said.