Arrested without any complaint or clear explanation, based on an unfounded accusation made by a Lyft platform customer, Haitian journalist Wadson Désir has been officially cleared by the American justice system.
Nearly two months after his arrest by Homestead police in Florida, the case has been dismissed.
A certificate of innocence signed on July 14, 2025, confirms his non-guilty status, as revealed by Wadson Désir in a note published on his Facebook account. He states that no formal charges were ever filed, and the justice system acknowledged the complete absence of any charges against him.
Following an investigation, it was confirmed that Wadson Désir had never harassed the Lyft passenger. A certificate of exoneration was issued to the journalist.
“Pursuant to Florida Rules of Court, Rule 2.430, court records that are not permanently recorded may be unavailable or disposed of by the Clerk in accordance with the applicable retention schedule required by said rule (10 years for felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic violations in which the defendant was adjudicated not guilty),” states the certificate issued to Wadson Désir.
The journalist’s arrest received extensive media coverage. Several major American media outlets had produced reports condemning the former Radio Métropole journalist without any evidence.
On June 27, the judge ordered the definitive closure of the case.
“I was arbitrarily arrested on May 21, 2025, based on completely unfounded accusations. No complaint had been filed against me, and the police never clearly explained the reasons for my arrest,” Wadson Désir declared in a public statement.
On May 27, 2025, while working as a Lyft driver, Wadson Désir was transporting a Starbucks employee. Due to navigation issues, Wadson had missed an exit. He had shared his contact information hoping for potential transportation services outside the Lyft platform. A few days later, Mr. Désir was in the vicinity of Starbucks to pick up his child from a school in the area, CTN’s editorial team learned. The Lyft customer, who works at Starbucks, alerted the Homestead police, who promptly arrived at the scene. Without any questions or explanation, Homestead police officers arrested the colleague, who appeared in court the following day. He was released on bail.”I am not guilty”
In a tone filled with dignity and gratitude, the journalist expressed his relief and his desire to move forward.”I received, on July 14, 2025, an official certificate that confirms in black and white that I am not guilty. I have absolutely nothing to do with the accusations made against me,” he states.
He took the opportunity to address a message to those who continued to believe in him during this challenging period.”I want to deeply thank all the people who didn’t believe the rumors and who supported me, without wavering. This ordeal has allowed me to see clearly who truly loves me and believes in me.”
The case raises questions about law enforcement practices in the city of Homestead.
Arrested without complaint or evidence, Wadson Désir denounces an unjustified detention that temporarily tarnished his reputation.
To date, police authorities have provided no public explanation. When approached by the press, they have refrained from making any comment.
For his part, the journalist says he primarily wants to refocus on his professional and personal projects.”I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, former colleagues, fellow journalists, and loyal supporters. Your presence and unwavering trust have been my greatest strength during this challenging period,” he concludes.
