Indian-origin businessman and four Louisiana law enforcement officers indicted in U visa fraud and bribery case

A federal grand jury has indicted five individuals — including an Indian-origin businessman and four current and former Louisiana law enforcement officers — in a 62-count indictment involving conspiracy to commit visa fraud, mail fraud, and bribery. The case emerged after US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fraud detection officers identified irregularities in U visa applications, prompting a broader federal investigation.

The indictment accuses the group of orchestrating a scheme over nearly 10 years to create, file, and certify false police reports of armed robberies to help noncitizens fraudulently apply for U visas. These visas are intended for noncitizens who are victims of serious crimes and cooperate with law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions.

Explained: What is the U visa in the United States and who qualifies for it


The five indicted individuals are:

• Chandrakant Patel, a.k.a. “Lala,” a businessman from Oakdale
  
• Chad Doyle, Chief of Police, City of Oakdale
  
• Michael Slaney, a.k.a. “Freck,” Marshal, Ward 5 Marshal’s Office, Oakdale
  
• Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police, City of Forest Hill
  
• Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police, City of Glenmora
  

According to the indictment, noncitizens seeking U visas would contact Patel or his associates and pay thousands of dollars to be listed as "victims" in fabricated police reports. Patel would then approach his co-defendants in law enforcement to create these reports and issue required certifications, including Form I-918B — an essential USCIS document for U visa applications.

Prosecutors also allege that Patel offered a $5,000 bribe on February 18, 2025, to an agent of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office in exchange for a fraudulent police report from that agency.

If convicted, each defendant could face:

• Up to 5 years in prison for conspiracy
  
• Up to 10 years for visa fraud
  
• Up to 20 years for mail fraud
  
• An additional 10 years for Patel on the bribery charge
  
• Fines of up to $250,000 for each count
  

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, created under Executive Order 14159 during President Trump’s administration. The task force aims to combat fraud and protect immigration systems from abuse.

U visas are designed to assist law enforcement in solving crimes while offering legal relief to victims who actively help authorities. Applicants must meet strict criteria to qualify.