KIDNAP VICTIMS RELEASED IN HAITI

Charlotte, NC - Nathan T. Gray, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) here, announced today's release of two American citizens held captive in Haiti.

Thomas George Barron and William Eugene Seastrum, of High Point, were released by their Haitian captors at approximately 11:00 a.m. EST, and are in good health. The captors demanded a ransom and an undisclosed amount of money, provided by the family, was exchanged for the safe release of the captives. Barron and Seastrum are with U.S. officials in Haiti and plans are being arranged for their return to the United States.

Throughout the ordeal, FBI agents from the Greensboro Resident Agency provided guidance and strategic assistance to the families for negotiations that lead to the safe release of the captives. The FBI agents remained in contact with multiple agencies, to include: the Haitian government, Haitian National Police, United Nations Civil Police, U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince, and FBI personnel in Haiti.

The families of the two victims released this statement, "We would like to thank the many families and friends that provided support and prayers during this event. We would like to thank all the people, both in the U.S. and Haiti, who worked to bring Tom and Bill home. Our deepest gratitude is extended to the men and women of the FBI for their professionalism and dedication towards helping resolve this terrifying matter and help release our family members."

Barron and Seastrum, both missionary's, were allegedly taken hostage sometime before 6:00 a.m. in Port au Prince on July 16. Barron and Seastrum were en route to a church service where they were working with the Mustard Seed Church in Port au Prince trying to assist Haitian nationals with attaining visa's to travel to the United States.

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