Two men from Texas have been charged with conspiracy to commit violent crimes abroad, including murder, maiming, or kidnappling, and production of child pornography, according to a federal indictment. Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle, are accused of planning an unlawful expeditionary force to invade Gonave Island, part of the Republic of Haiti, with the intent to carry out a rape fantasy.

The alleged plan involved purchasing a sailboat, firearms, and ammunition, while recruiting homeless individuals from the District of Columbia area to serve as mercenaries. The defendants intended to murder all men on the island to exploit women and children as sex slaves. They also undertook operational and logistical preparations, including learning Haitian Creole, recruiting others to join the plot, and acquiring relevant skills through education and military training.

Gonave Island, home to nearly 100,000 people, has faced widespread hunger despite its scenic beaches. Weisenburg and Thomas face up to life in federal prison if convicted of conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country. They also face up to 30 years on the child pornography charges. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Texas.