Ten U.S. Baptist missionaries were charged with kidnapping Haitian 33 children and trying to take them to Dominican Republic.

The Americans were charged with kidnapping and criminal association, which carries 15-years imprisonment, Associated Press reports.

The missionaries were arrested on January 29, after the court session in the capital city Port-au-Prince.

All the arrested, including 5 men and 5 women are members of Idaho Baptist churches. The Americans said they were taking the kids to orphanages in Dominican Republic, however Haitian authorities say they have no documentation needed. Lenta.ru informs.

L.A.