A private security firm linked to Dolly Parton is embroiled in controversy over a multimillion-dollar arms deal with the Haitian National Police. Fencebridge Strategic Risk, co-founded by Parton’s longtime manager, Daniel Nozell, and her nephew, Bryan Seaver, has faced scrutiny for its handling of the agreement, which has reportedly been executed with insufficient oversight.
The contract, signed approximately a year ago, is intended to supply the police with semi-automatic rifles and ammunition in response to rampant gang violence that has resulted in over 25,000 fatalities in Haiti since 2021. While some shipments of ammunition have arrived, there is a reported shortfall in the delivery, and approximately $7 million of the funds paid by the Haitian government for the deal remain unaccounted for.
Fencebridge was founded in Tennessee in 2015 but has encountered significant regulatory challenges concerning U.S. permits for arms exports. The company finalizing the agreement relied on assistance from former U.S. Congressman Mark Green, who stated that he connected the firm with lobbyists and offered his name to support their efforts. Green received $600,000 for his services, although he denied involvement in the contract arrangements.
Two significant payments from the Haitian government to Soto—totaling over $15 million—were confirmed through documents reviewed by sources familiar with the situation. However, the specifics of the financial arrangements, including why the funds were channeled through Soto’s account, remain unclear. A Haitian source accused Green and Soto of causing undue delays in the supply process.
In an email, Seaver referred to his role as that of “an international arms dealer,” claiming the contract’s value was $29 million—a figure later contested by Fencebridge, which asserts the actual value is closer to $24 million. The legality of the procurement process is under scrutiny, with some officials unsure whether it met the vetting requirements mandated by Haitian law.
While the U.S. State Department declined to comment on specific licensing activities regarding the deal, Day emphasized that the firm is committed to operating under applicable laws. However, the mechanics of delivering the necessary arms and resolving financial discrepancies have strained the agreement’s execution.
Parton’s estate and representatives have not clarified the extent of her awareness or involvement with Fencebridge. The firm has transitioned its business registration to the Grand Cayman Islands after its initial incorporation was dissolved in Tennessee in 2020.
Moving forward, the fallout from this arms deal continues, with additional scrutiny expected from both U.S. and Haitian officials about the handling of public funds and compliance with international arms regulation.
