Aristide's former security chief was U.S. informant, attorney alleges

[Freddie Stubbs]

In a widening drug-conspiracy probe, federal investigators have targeted narco-traffickers, senior Haitian police and a security chief in ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's administration -- perhaps using some as informants.

BY JAY WEAVER

[e-mail]


The former security chief for deposed Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has been identified in court as a U.S. government informant in its investigation of alleged drug trafficking by members of Aristide's administration.

No evidence has been presented in open court linking Aristide -- now in Jamaica making arrangements to go to South Africa -- to a suspected narcotics conspiracy in the widening federal probe of high-ranking officials in his toppled government.

But an attorney said in court that former Aristide security chief Oriel Jean -- extradited in early March from Canada on a drug-smuggling conspiracy charge -- was cooperating with the federal government.

On Friday, lawyer Lawrence Besser, representing a former commander in the Haitian National Police, said Jean ''was seeking favors from the government'' such as a reduced sentence in exchange for information about Aristide's inner circle.

more: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/8751564.htm

[Just Me]

1. WOW!!! This looks good for Aristide and BAD for the feds. n/t

[seemslikeadream]

4. Yes Just Me

aren't we shocked by this news?

[bemildred]

2. Sounds like more threats (bullshit) to me. nt

[Freddie Stubbs]

3. According to the article, there is no evidence of wrongdoing by Aristide

But it appears that the people in his administration were up to their ears in it.