Staff report
Paul Waggoner, 32, whose sister Randi Lightner lives in DeFuniak Springs, is being held in the Haitian national penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, a detainee facing accusations that he kidnapped a baby who subsequently died in a hospital where he was volunteering. Waggoner was doing volunteer work for Materials Management Relief Corps, a group he helped found.
Waggoner was born and raised in DeFuniak Springs. Following the Haitian earthquake in January, he sold his construction company and helped found Materials Management, which provides medical supplies and transportation for aid missions.
Lightner has contacted Rep. Brad Drake, who promised to help her make contact with people who could help. A Haitian judge is reportedly looking into the case. While it appears that Waggoner has yet to be formally charged, Haitian law allows him to be jailed without charges. Lightner is also speaking with other state and federal authorities.
Lightner has expressed concern over substandard conditions in the prison, which is overcrowded and disease-ridden. Her brother is reportedly being given food and water by an outside source, and has been moved to a private cell.