Archive · 21 Jun 2025
Haitian Ex-Mayor Sentenced to Nine Years in US Prison for Visa Fraud
Imagine a mayor in Haiti who was accused of hurting people who disagreed with him.
He then tried to get a visa to live in the United States, but he lied on the form about his past actions.
A judge in the U.S. found him guilty of lying to get the visa.
Because of this lie and his past actions, the mayor was sentenced to nine years in prison.
The people he was accused of hurting and their families wanted a longer sentence to feel like justice was served, but the judge decided on nine years.
Former Haitian mayor Jean Morose Viliena was sentenced to nine years in a U.S. prison for visa fraud.
Viliena was found guilty of concealing his role in violence against political opponents.
Prosecutors said Viliena committed or ordered violence against adversaries after being elected mayor in 2006.
The victims included three Haitians who pursued a civil lawsuit against him.
Viliena is appealing the civil verdict and can appeal his conviction.
- Who
- Jean Morose Viliena, a former Haitian mayor.
- What
- Jean Morose Viliena was sentenced to nine years in prison for visa fraud.
- When
- Viliena was sentenced on Friday.
- Where
- Boston, U.S.
- Why
- He was convicted of visa fraud by concealing his role in violence against political opponents.
Prosecutors and Victims' Families
Judge Saylor
Sentencing Length
Prosecutors and Victims' Families
Advocated for a longer sentence to provide justice to victims.
Judge Saylor
The judge decided on a nine-year sentence.
- Defendant
- Jean Morose Viliena
- Age
- 53
- Charge
- Visa Fraud
- Sentence
- Nine Years
- Location of Sentencing
- Boston, MA
- Civil Lawsuit Verdict
- $15.5 million against Viliena