David Finn Responds to Charges Against His Client Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, One of Two North Texas Men Indicted in Alleged Haitian Island Plot

by WFAA / FOX 4 News Dallas / The New York Times

Two North Texas men — Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle — have been indicted by a federal grand jury on serious charges related to an alleged plot to invade Haiti’s Gonâve Island. Prosecutors say the pair conspired to murder, maim or kidnap persons in a foreign country and also face a production of child pornography charge. Both charges carry severe potential federal prison sentences, including life in prison for the conspiracy charge and up to 30 years for the pornography charge.

According to the indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, prosecutors allege that between August 2024 and mid-2025, Weisenburg and Thomas communicated about and prepared for a plan they hoped would culminate in an armed invasion of Gonâve Island. Federal authorities say the plan included researching weapons and language skills, recruiting others, knowing Haitian Creole, and attempting to acquire means of transportation and logistics.

Weisenburg’s attorney, David Finn, a former criminal trial judge in Dallas, responded to the charges with measured caution. In a statement reported by multiple outlets, Finn said his client plans to enter a not guilty plea and urged the public and media to “hold their horses” before drawing conclusions about the allegations. He framed the government’s press release as potentially misleading or overstated, even if some elements may be grounded in limited facts, and stressed that an indictment is merely an accusation, not proof of guilt.
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“While there is some limited factual basis to the Government’s Press Release,” Finn wrote, “I’m reminded that something can be somewhat accurate yet wildly misleading at the same time.”

Finn also indicated he does not intend to try the case in the press and is focused on the legal process rather than public opinion, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding Weisenburg’s right to a fair trial.

Federal investigations into the case involve the FBI, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and local law enforcement, with prosecutors portraying the alleged scheme as both elaborate and extreme. The legal process is just beginning, and court proceedings are expected in the coming months.