Carel Pedre, a Haitian broadcaster and media personality, was arrested on December 21, 2025, in Tamarac, Florida, on a domestic violence charge. The news quickly circulated on social media and was confirmed by several Haitian media outlets after his booking photo was published on the official Broward County Mugshots page.
Télégramme360 reported that Mr. Pedre is charged with “intentionally striking a family or household member against their will.” The outlet noted this offense is defined and punishable under Section 741.28 of the Florida Penal Code.
Journalist Luckson Saint-Vil, via LSV Media, confirmed the arrest and outlined the charges. “According to information available on the official ‘Broward County Mugshots’ Facebook page, the charges against Carel Pedre are: battery, physical assault, domestic violence,” he wrote.
The exact circumstances of the alleged incident have not been disclosed. A person close to the broadcaster told LSV Media they have no further information regarding the events leading to the arrest.
“For now, there are no further details on the arrest. The LSV Media newsroom is not aware of any steps being taken toward a possible release,” Saint-Vil added.
Passion InfoPlus also reported the story, contributing to its rapid spread within the Haitian community in Haiti and the diaspora.
Broward County law enforcement has not issued any public statement beyond the arrest record, according to Juno7, which also confirmed the news through a source close to Mr. Pedre.
A Major Figure in Haitian Media
Carel Pedre is a prominent figure in Haiti’s media and cultural landscape.
At 44, he has nearly two decades of experience in the entertainment industry.
As founder and CEO of Chokarella, an influential social media platform, he co-hosts the weekly program “De Tout et de Rien” (A Little of Everything) with DJ K9, which has a large Haitian audience. He also created the morning show “Carel in the Morning” and several digital initiatives, including the PleziKanaval app for the Haitian carnival.
Mr. Pedre gained international recognition during the January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti. While the country was isolated, he established an internet connection and shared images of the disaster, serving as Haiti’s correspondent for international media. The French press called him “the eye of Haiti.” In 2012, he received the Humanitarian Shorty Award for his coverage.
News of the arrest has caused strong reactions in the Haitian community. Social media responses range from disbelief to calls for caution as the legal process continues.
In Florida, domestic violence charges are considered serious offenses. Section 741.28 of Florida law defines domestic violence as any assault, battery, or criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of a family or household member.
No statement has been issued by Mr. Pedre’s representatives or his platform Chokarella, pending further legal proceedings and details about the case.
