Woodley Etheard
Woodley Ethéard (also spelled Woodly Ethéart and widely known by the alias “Sonson La Familia”) is a Haitian figure long suspected of serious criminal involvement, particularly during the 2010s. He has been at the center of allegations linking him to gang-related violence and high-profile kidnappings in Haiti.
Key points about Ethéard and his alleged crimes:
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Gang leadership and kidnappings: Haitian authorities and human rights organizations have accused Ethéard of being the leader of a gang known as Galil, which was implicated in a series of kidnappings of businessmen for ransom — reportedly 17 over a six-year period — and the killing of a police inspector.
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Links to political figures: Ethéard was described in some reports as a former music promoter with close personal and business ties to powerful political figures, including connections to former President Michel Martelly and the president’s brother-in-law. These ties, critics argue, helped shield him from prosecution at times.
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Legal troubles and arrest: For years Haitian police issued warrants for his arrest. In May 2021, Ethéard was detained in the Dominican Republic and handed over to Haitian authorities after being sought by Haitian justice since 2019.
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Judicial controversy: At various stages, judicial proceedings against him were marked by controversy. In some cases, charges were dropped or he was released amid claims of political interference in the legal process, fueling concerns about impunity for powerful individuals with political connections.
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Accusations beyond kidnapping: Some sources also associate Ethéard with drug trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of organized crime, though the full extent and outcomes of these allegations remain tied to ongoing debates over evidence and judicial independence in Haiti.
In summary, Woodley Ethéard remains a contentious figure in Haiti — accused by law enforcement and civil society groups of leading a violent criminal network and benefiting from political associations that complicated efforts to hold him accountable.
