The former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti was convicted March 28 by a federal jury in Boston of illegally obtaining a permanent resident card, commonly referred to as a green card, by means of a false statement.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation found he concealed the fact that he ordered and carried out or materially assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence against the Haitian people.
Jean Morose Viliena, 52, was convicted of three counts of visa fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2025. Viliena was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023.
BOSTON – The former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti was convicted March 28 by a federal jury in Boston of illegally obtaining a permanent resident card, commonly referred to as a green card, by means of a false statement.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation found…
— Wid Lyman (@Wid_Lyman) April 1, 2025
“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,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge New England Michael J. Krol.
“The political corruption and violence that the people of Haiti endured at the direction of Jean Morose Viliena, is appalling,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “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.”
