Child Protection Advocates Write Letter to U.S. Ambassador in Haiti

Child Protection Advocates Write Letter to U.S. Ambassador to Haiti. Call for Investigation of Child Sex Abuse Allegations Against U.S. Citizen, Michael Geilenfeld. June 1, 2011 Kenneth H. Merten Ambassador to the Republic of Haiti Embassy of the United States Tabarre 41, Boulevard 15 Port au Prince, Haiti Dear Mr. Ambassador, We, the undersigned child protection advocates, are calling upon you to immediately investigate allegations that children are being physically and sexually abused by U.S. citizen, Michael Geilenfeld, founder and executive director of the St. Joseph's Homes in Haiti. It has been discouraging for us to learn that child sex abuse complaints against Geilenfeld have been know to U.S. Embassy investigators in Port au Prince for the past twenty years, yet Geilenfeld remains in Haiti with unlimited access to vulnerable children. Since the 1980s, boys, men and visitors to the St. Joseph's Homes have alleged emotional, physical and sexual abuse by Geilenfeld and some of his associates. Geilenfeld denies the allegations. Please note that child abuse allegations against Geilenfeld are documented as early as 1987 in Boston; 1990 in Haiti and the U.S.; 1995 in Detroit; 1997 in UK and Haiti; 1999 in Haiti; 2006-2007 in Haiti and U.S. We believe it is the moral obligation of the United States of America to investigate and prosecute U.S. citizens who commit crimes against children anywhere in the world and especially in earthquake ravaged Haiti where children are even more vulnerable. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Robert Hoatson, President, Road to Recovery, 862-368-2800 Paul Kellen, National Survivor Advocacy Coalition, 781-395-3628 Ruth Moore, Speak Truth to Power, 781-264-6519 Michael Sweatt, National Survivor Advocacy Coalition, 207-831-3791 cc: Rod Khatabbi, Special Agent, Department of Homeland Security ----------------------------- "Ne doutez jamais qu'un petit nombre de citoyens volontaires et réfléchis peut changer le monde. En fait, cela se passe toujours ainsi" Margaret Mead (1901-1978) ____________________ "La vraie reconstruction d'Haïti passe par des réformes en profondeur des structures de l'État pour restaurer la confiance, encourager les investisseurs et mettre le peuple au travail. Il faut finir avec cette approche d'un État paternaliste qui tout en refusant de créer le cadre approprié pour le développement des entreprises mendie des millions sur la scène internationale en exhibant la misère du peuple." Cyrus Sibert Reconstruction d'Haïti : A quand les Réformes structurelles? Haïti : La continuité du système colonial d'exploitation prend la forme de monopole au 21e Siècle. WITHOUT REFORM, NO RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN HAITI (U.S. Senate report.)