A Massachusetts jury convicted Jean Morose Viliena, former mayor of Les Irois, of immigration crimes for lying on his application for permanent residency.

Viliena falsely stated that he did not order, perpetrate, or materially contribute to extrajudicial and political killings or other acts of violence against the Haitian people.

Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, said, "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."

"The political corruption and violence that the people of Haiti endured at the direction of Jean Morose Viliena, is appalling," said Leah B. Foley, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. "The United States is not where you come to hide from your crimes..."

Viliena served as mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, from December 2006 to at least February 2010. As a candidate and mayor, Viliena was supported by a political machine called "Korega," which exercised its power throughout southwestern Haiti through armed violence. Viliena personally oversaw his municipal team and other armed supporters of Les Irois, allied with "Korega." Under his direct supervision, armed men implemented Viliena's policies through various means, including the targeting of residents of Les Irois with armed violence, explained Michael J. Krol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol, who oversees HSI operations in all of New England.

On June 3rd, 2008, Viliena presented himself at the U.S. Embassy Consular Office in Port au Prince, Haiti, where he submitted an application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, Form DS-230, in order to gain entry to the United States. The form specifically requires each applicant to state whether they are a member of any class of individuals excluded from admission into the United States, including those who have “ordered, carried out or materially assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence against the Haitian people.” Viliena falsely responded “no,” indicating that this category did not apply to him. Viliena thereafter swore to, and affirmed, before a U.S. Consular Officer that the contents of the application were true and signed the application. Thereafter, on or about June 4th, 2008, based upon Viliena’s false representations in the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Form DS-230, the U.S. Department of State approved Viliena’s DS-230 application.

On or about July 14, 2008 – as the result of the approval of his DS-230 application – Viliena gained entry into the United States and was thereafter granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States. As a further result, Viliena received a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a "Green Card.”" Viliena continued to possess a Permanent Resident Card and used such card on numerous occasions.

The charge of visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Viliena is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

SL/ HaitiLibre