The former Mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, Jean Morose Viliena, has been convicted by a federal jury in Boston on charges of visa fraud. The charges stem from allegations that Viliena obtained a United States Permanent Resident Card through false statements, specifically denying his involvement in extrajudicial and political killings and other violent acts against Haitian citizens.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the case, saying, “The political corruption and violence that the people of Haiti endured at the direction of Jean Morose Viliena, is appalling. The United States is not where you come to hide from your crimes. Today’s conviction is proof that running away from your crimes and lying to federal officials will catch up to you. I applaud the courage of the witnesses who spoke up about the abuse they suffered as a result of Viliena.”
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, stated, “Today a jury found that Jean Morose Viliena lied his way into gaining entrance into the United States after committing unspeakable acts of violence in Haiti. The Justice Department will not stand for human rights violators illegally entering and roaming the streets of our communities. Thank you to the brave victims and witnesses who helped our law enforcement partners and prosecutors begin to hold Viliena accountable for his crimes.”
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations New England, added, “Viliena knowingly lied to conceal his violent past, deceiving immigration authorities to come to the United States. The brave witnesses who came forward to testify in this case relayed their experiences of extreme violence and oppression committed by Viliena and his associates. Thanks to their testimony, his fraud has been uncovered and he will now face consequences for his violence and deception.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office's Director of Field Operations, Jennifer De La O, emphasized that, “The men and women of CBP work diligently alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of the people in our communities. Emigrating to the United States is a privilege and if you conceal your criminal conduct to deceive your way into this country, you will ultimately be detected, held accountable and brought to justice.”
Viliena served as Mayor of Les Irois from December 2006 to February 2010 and was supported by Korega, a political group known for enforcing its policies through armed violence. The indictment detailed instances where Viliena directed violent actions, including an assault in 2007 that resulted in a death and attacks on a community radio station in 2008.
In June 2008, Viliena applied for a U.S. visa, falsely declaring that he had not engaged in acts of violence. This allowed him to enter the United States and gain lawful permanent residency in July 2008.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV has scheduled Viliena's sentencing for June 20, 2025. The charge of visa fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
The conviction was announced by several law enforcement and judicial officials involved in the investigation, which also included assistance from the Malden Police Department and HRSP historian Christopher Hayden. 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.