PLANO, Texas - Two North Texas men have been federally charged in connection with a disturbing conspiracy involving a planned attack on an island in Haiti. U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs announced that 21-year-old Gavin Rivers Weisenburg of Allen and 20-year-old Tanner Christopher Thomas of Argyle are facing charges of conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country and production of child pornography.
According to court documents, between August 2024 and July 2025, Weisenburg and Thomas allegedly plotted to recruit and lead a group to invade Gonave Island, part of the Republic of Haiti. Prosecutors say the men intended to kill the island’s men and enslave the women and children. The pair reportedly made detailed operational plans, purchased resources, learned Haitian Creole, and even recruited members of the D.C.-area homeless population to act as mercenaries. Thomas allegedly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to gain military training useful to the scheme.
Additionally, Weisenburg and Thomas face charges related to the production of child pornography. If convicted, they could face life in prison for the foreign murder conspiracy and 15 to 30 years for the child pornography charges.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Celina Police Department, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker. Authorities caution that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
