The former Mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, Jean Morose Viliena, was convicted by a federal jury in Boston for visa fraud. Viliena, aged 52, faced three counts after acquiring a Permanent Resident Card through false statements. The court, led by Chief U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, has set sentencing for June 20, 2025. Viliena was indicted in March 2023.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned Viliena's alleged history of political corruption and violence. "The political corruption and violence that the people of Haiti endured at the direction of Jean Morose Viliena, is appalling," said Foley, adding that the U.S. will not be a hiding place for such crimes. She acknowledged the courage of witnesses who testified against Viliena.
Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, remarked on Viliena's deception in entering the U.S.: "The Justice Department will not stand for human rights violators illegally entering and roaming the streets of our communities." Special Agent Michael J. Krol highlighted the vital role of witness testimony in uncovering Viliena's past, leading to his conviction for violence and deception.
The conviction stems from incidents during Viliena's tenure as Mayor of Les Irois from December 2006 to at least February 2010. Backed by a political group called Korega, Viliena was linked to violent acts against political opponents and local journalists in Haiti.
Viliena applied for entry to the U.S. on June 3, 2008, falsely declaring no involvement in extrajudicial killings on a visa application. His application was approved, granting him a Permanent Resident Card on July 14, 2008.
Visa fraud charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for three years, and fines up to $250,000. Sentences are determined based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Officials from various U.S. departments, including Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. State Department, announced the conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan and Alexandra Skinnion of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.
