An American missionary who spent more than 20 years working with children in Haiti is under investigation following allegations of sexual abuse involving minors at an orphanage in Cap-Haïtien.
Thomas “Tom” Osbeck, who has been involved in Christian missionary work in Haiti for decades, was arrested on September 30, 2026, according to Haitian police.
The allegations involve an orphanage Osbeck reportedly operated in Morne Rouge, an area near Cap-Haïtien in northern Haiti.
Authorities say the facility was operating without the required authorization, raising additional questions about how it was able to house children without proper oversight.
How the Investigation Began
According to reporting by the Associated Press, members of the public brought Osbeck to the attention of local authorities after allegations involving children at the orphanage surfaced.
Cap-Haïtien police spokesperson Arold Jean said U.S. authorities arrested Osbeck on September 30.
During the investigation, Haitian authorities inspected the orphanage and discovered at least 12 minors living at the facility.
Police also examined Osbeck’s cellphone and reported finding sexually explicit messages allegedly sent to children.
Twelve children, including 11 girls between the ages of 7 and 17, underwent medical examinations as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not publicly released the results of those examinations.
The children involved are minors, and their identities have not been disclosed.
Authorities Investigate Unauthorized Orphanage
Investigators determined that the orphanage did not have the required authorization to operate.
In Haiti, residential facilities caring for children are subject to government oversight, including requirements intended to protect minors and ensure appropriate living conditions.
The discovery of an unauthorized orphanage has raised concerns about supervision and the safeguards available to children living in such facilities.
Police have not publicly explained how long the orphanage had been operating without authorization or whether previous complaints had been filed against it.
Possible Extradition to the United States
Haitian police spokesperson Arold Jean said he expects Osbeck to be extradited to the United States.
However, an expected extradition is not the same as a completed extradition, and no confirmed transfer date has been publicly announced in the information available.
As of the reporting provided, no formal U.S. charging documents or Justice Department statement identifying specific criminal counts against Osbeck had been released.
It is also unclear whether Osbeck has retained an attorney or issued a public response to the allegations.
The accusations remain allegations, and Osbeck has not been reported convicted in connection with this case.
Osbeck’s History of Missionary Work in Haiti
Osbeck has been publicly associated with Jesus in Haiti Ministries, a Christian nonprofit based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The organization traces its beginnings to 2003, and historical records identify Osbeck as a former executive director. He has also been linked to Ignite Your Faith Ministries.
However, the orphanage now under investigation in Cap-Haïtien should not be confused with the earlier ministry’s work. The allegations against Osbeck do not establish wrongdoing by Jesus in Haiti Ministries or its current leadership.
Other Cases Involving American Missionaries in Haiti
Osbeck’s detention follows other criminal cases involving allegations of sexual abuse of Haitian children by American missionaries.
In September 2026, U.S. federal authorities charged Maylon Foshee, 23, of Louisiana, with offenses related to alleged sexual abuse of minors during missionary trips to Gonaïves.
In a separate case, Michael Geilenfeld, an American who operated an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, was convicted by a federal jury in Miami in 2025 of sexually abusing boys in his care.
These are separate cases, and there is no reported evidence that the individuals were working together.
Questions Remain About Child Protection and Oversight
The investigation has brought renewed attention to the safety of children living in residential facilities and the importance of proper oversight.
Among the unanswered questions are how long the Morne Rouge orphanage operated without authorization, whether authorities had received earlier complaints, and what arrangements have been made to protect the children involved.
For now, the case remains under investigation, and the reported findings must be assessed through the appropriate legal process.
The priority for authorities is ensuring that the children receive protection, medical attention and any additional support they may need.
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