Former Haitian Mayor Sentenced for U.S. Visa Fraud

Jean Morose Viliena, a former mayor from Haiti, has been sentenced to nine years in a U.S. prison for fraudulent visa acquisition concealing his involvement in violent political repression. The ruling was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor after the jury found him guilty of serious immigration fraud.

Prosecutors sought a 10-year sentence to deliver justice to the victims' families, who still suffer from Viliena's actions. This followed a 2023 civil case verdict that required him to pay $15.5 million to three plaintiffs who alleged persecution under his regime.

Despite maintaining his innocence, Viliena is challenging the civil verdict and plans to appeal his criminal conviction. Prosecutors detailed his direct involvement in ordering violence against political adversaries and affirmed his false claims on visa documentation denying such actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)