Former mayor from Haiti living in Malden, Massachusetts gets prison time for lying to get into US

Jean Morose Viliena, the former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, was sentenced to nine years in prison for committing visa fraud by lying about his violent past. U. S. Attorney Leah Foley emphasized that the sentence provides justice for Viliena's victims and underscores the U. S.

stance against human rights violators. Prosecutors described Viliena as a perpetrator of severe violence, including leading a group that murdered a political opponent's brother in 2007. His application for a U. S. visa falsely claimed he had no role in extrajudicial killings, despite evidence to the contrary.

In a civil trial earlier this year, a jury found him liable for the violence and awarded $15. 5 million in damages. Following his prison term, Viliena will face deportation proceedings, reinforcing the U. S. government's commitment to human rights.

This case draws attention to the ongoing issue of political violence in Haiti and the responsibility of former officials. Viliena's history raises significant questions about the vetting process for immigrants with violent backgrounds.