Ex-Haitian Mayor Sentenced for Immigration Fraud Tied to Torturous Campaign
Former Haitian mayor Jean Morose Viliena has been sentenced to nine years in a U.S. prison for immigration fraud, having concealed his involvement in violent campaigns against political adversaries in Haiti. Viliena, who fraudulently obtained a U.S. green card, is appealing his conviction and a related civil verdict.
Jean Morose Viliena, a former mayor from Haiti, received a nine-year prison sentence in the United States after being found guilty of immigration fraud. Viliena concealed his role in violent campaigns against political opponents to illegally obtain a green card.
Sentenced in Boston by Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor, Viliena is accused of committing severe immigration fraud, with prosecutors emphasizing the need for a significant sentence to provide justice to victims. A civil case in 2023 had already ordered Viliena to pay $15.5 million to three Haitian plaintiffs.
Viliena's 2008 visa fraud charges emerged after evidence showed he had ordered violent acts against adversaries despite declaring otherwise. Representing a legal pursuit under the Torture Victim Protection Act, the case highlighted extrajudicial violence against Haitians.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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