Former Haitian mayor arrested in US on visa fraud charges

WASHINGTON

The former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti was arrested Wednesday on charges of lying on his US visa application, according to the US attorney’s office in Boston.

Jean Morose Viliena, 50, was indicted on three counts of visa fraud a day after a court ordered him to pay $15 million for his role in the violent persecution of his political opponents.

According to the indictment, Viliena illegally obtained a Green Card through a false statement that he had not ordered, carried out or assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence against the Haitian people.

"Our nation offers protection, assistance and asylum to those who are persecuted. People that perpetrate acts of violence and harm in their countries — and then allegedly lie about their conduct to US immigration officials — are not welcome here," said US Attorney Rachael Rollins.

Viliena faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.