Key Takeaways
• Five Louisiana officials charged in 2025 for a decade-long U visa fraud and bribery scheme.
• Chandrakant Patel led a fake police report scam charging immigrants $5,000 each.
• Case may reform U visa reviews and police certification to prevent future abuses.
Federal authorities have charged several Louisiana police chiefs and a local business owner with running a visa fraud and bribery scheme that lasted nearly ten years. The group allegedly created fake police reports to help immigrants get special visas, raising serious questions about trust in law enforcement and the future of the U visa program.
How the Scheme Unfolded
In July 2025, federal investigators announced the arrest and indictment of five people in Louisiana. Among them were four current and former law enforcement officers and a local business owner. The main figure, Chandrakant “Lala” Patel, owned a business in Oakdale and is accused of organizing the scheme. The other defendants include Chad Doyle, the current Oakdale Police Chief; Michael “Freck” Slaney, the Ward 5 Marshal; Glynn Dixon, former Forest Hill Police Chief; and Tebo Onishea, former Glenmora Police Chief.
According to federal prosecutors, the group worked together from 2015 until July 2025. They allegedly created and signed off on fake police reports, claiming that certain immigrants were victims of armed robberies that never happened. These reports were then used to support applications for U visas—a special type of visa for immigrants who are victims of certain crimes and who help police with investigations.
Why the U Visa Program Matters
The U visa program was created in 2000 to help undocumented immigrants who are victims of serious crimes. The goal is to encourage people to report crimes and help police, without being afraid of deportation. If approved, a U visa allows both the victim and some family members to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and eventually apply for permanent residency.
To get a U visa, an applicant must show that they were a victim of a qualifying crime and that they helped law enforcement. Police must sign a special form, called Form I-918 Supplement B, to confirm the person’s story. You can find the official Form I-918 Supplement B on the USCIS website.
How the Fraud Worked
Federal documents say that immigrants paid $5,000 each to Chandrakant Patel. Patel then paid the police chiefs and other officers for every fake report they created. These reports claimed the immigrants were victims of armed robberies, even though no such crimes had taken place. The officers would then sign the required certification forms, making the applications look real.
Because the U visa program allows both the main applicant and their family members to stay in the United States 🇺🇸, each fake report could help several people get legal status. Over time, the scheme led to an unusual number of armed robbery reports involving people who did not live in Louisiana. This pattern caught the attention of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fraud detection officers, who started looking into the matter.
The Investigation and Charges
The investigation began when USCIS noticed the strange pattern of U visa applications from small Louisiana towns. They worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and other federal agencies to dig deeper. As a result, the following charges were filed:
- Chandrakant “Lala” Patel: Conspiracy, bribery, 24 counts of mail fraud, and eight counts of money laundering.
- Chad Doyle (Oakdale Police Chief): Conspiracy, six counts of visa fraud, six counts of mail fraud, and one count of money laundering.
- Michael “Freck” Slaney (Ward 5 Marshal): Conspiracy, six counts of visa fraud, six counts of mail fraud, and two counts of money laundering.
- Glynn Dixon (former Forest Hill Police Chief): Same charges as Doyle.
- Tebo Onishea (former Glenmora Police Chief): Conspiracy, six counts of visa fraud, and six counts of mail fraud.
All five face conspiracy and mail fraud charges. Four of the officers face visa fraud charges, and all except Onishea face money laundering charges. Patel is the only one charged with bribery.
If convicted, the penalties are severe:
– Up to 5 years for conspiracy
– Up to 10 years for visa fraud
– Up to 20 years for mail fraud
– Patel faces an extra 10 years for bribery
– Each count can bring a fine of up to $250,000
Official Reactions and Community Impact
The City of Oakdale released a statement promising to fully cooperate with the investigation and to act in the best interest of the community. Acting U.S. Attorney Alec Van Hook spoke at a press conference, saying, “This case strikes at the heart of both our immigration system and the public’s trust in law enforcement.” He stressed that the fraud not only hurt the immigration process but also damaged the reputation of police officers who are supposed to protect the public.
USCIS officials said their fraud detection team played a key role in uncovering the scheme. They pointed out that keeping the U visa program honest is important for both immigrants and law enforcement.
How the Scheme Affected Immigrants
For immigrants who paid for these fake reports, the future is now uncertain. Some may lose their legal status if their visas are found to be based on fraud. Others who applied honestly may face longer wait times or tougher requirements because of increased scrutiny.
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups are watching the case closely. Many worry that stricter rules could make it harder for real victims of crime to get help. One immigration lawyer explained, “We need to stop fraud, but we also have to make sure we don’t punish people who really need protection.”
Why This Case Is Different
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this is one of the largest and most organized cases of U visa fraud involving law enforcement in United States 🇺🇸 history. While there have been other cases of fraud, it is rare for police chiefs themselves to be involved. The fact that Louisiana police chiefs and other officers allegedly took bribes and created fake reports has shocked many in the immigration and law enforcement communities.
Legal experts say the case could lead to major changes in how U visa applications are reviewed. There may be new rules for how police certify crime victims, and more checks to make sure reports are real.
What Happens Next
The case is still ongoing. All five defendants are awaiting trial as of July 17, 2025. The Department of Justice and USCIS have said they may investigate other similar schemes in the future. They are also considering changes to the U visa program to prevent abuse.
For now, anyone who received a U visa based on a police report from one of the accused officers may have their case reviewed. This could mean interviews, requests for more evidence, or even the loss of legal status if fraud is found.
What Is Being Done to Prevent Future Abuse?
The U visa program depends on honest police work. Because of this case, there is now talk of:
- Stricter checks on police certifications: USCIS may require more proof that a crime actually happened before approving a U visa.
- Better training for officers: Police departments may need to train officers on how to handle U visa requests and spot fraud.
- Independent reviews: Some experts suggest that outside agencies should review police certifications to make sure they are real.
- Clearer rules for applicants: Immigrants may be asked to provide more evidence, such as medical records or witness statements, to support their claims.
The official USCIS newsroom provides updates on policy changes and ongoing investigations.
Advice for Immigrants and Families
If you or someone you know applied for a U visa in Louisiana between 2015 and 2025, it is important to check the status of your application. If you are worried about fraud, you can contact USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) or the Department of Justice for help.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Review your application: Make sure all information is correct and honest.
- Keep records: Save copies of all police reports, forms, and other documents.
- Talk to a lawyer: If you think your case may be affected, get advice from a trusted immigration attorney.
- Respond to requests: If USCIS asks for more information, answer quickly and truthfully.
Wider Implications for Law Enforcement and Immigrants
This case has put a spotlight on the relationship between police and immigrants. The U visa program was designed to build trust, so that people would feel safe reporting crimes. When police chiefs themselves are accused of fraud, it can make immigrants afraid to come forward—even when they are real victims.
Law enforcement accountability groups say this is a wake-up call. They are calling for more transparency and independent oversight of police involvement in immigration matters. As one advocate put it, “We need to make sure police are helping, not hurting, the people they serve.”
Calls for Reform and Balance
Immigration advocates agree that fraud must be stopped, but they warn against making the U visa process so strict that real victims are turned away. They suggest:
- Balanced reforms: New rules should stop fraud but not block genuine victims.
- Community outreach: Police and immigration agencies should work together to educate immigrants about their rights and the correct way to apply for visas.
- Support for victims: Even as rules get tougher, there should be help for people who have truly suffered from crime.
Historical Context and Lessons Learned
The U visa program has helped thousands of people since it began in 2000. Most police officers and immigrants use the program honestly. However, this case shows that even a few bad actors can cause big problems.
Federal officials say they will keep working to protect the program’s integrity. They encourage anyone with information about fraud to come forward.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates on this case and the U visa program, check the official U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and the USCIS newsroom. If you have questions about your own U visa application, visit the USCIS U Visa page.
Key Takeaways
- Several Louisiana police chiefs and a business owner are accused of running a visa fraud and bribery scheme from 2015 to 2025.
- The group allegedly created fake police reports to help immigrants get U visas, charging $5,000 per person.
- The case has led to calls for stricter checks on U visa applications and more oversight of police involvement.
- Immigrants who may be affected should review their cases and seek legal advice.
- The U visa program remains important for helping real victims of crime, but must be protected from abuse.
As this case moves forward, both immigrants and law enforcement will be watching closely. The outcome will shape not only the future of the U visa program, but also the trust between police and the communities they serve.
Learn Today
U visa → A special visa for crime victims who assist law enforcement to obtain legal status in the U.S.
Visa fraud → Illegal acts involving deception in visa applications to gain immigration benefits.
Mail fraud → A crime using postal services to carry out fraudulent schemes.
Money laundering → Concealing origins of illegally obtained money through financial transactions.
Form I-918 Supplement B → Official police certification form required to support a U visa application.
This Article in a Nutshell
Louisiana police chiefs and a businessman face charges for a decade-long U visa fraud scheme involving fake armed robbery reports that helped immigrants obtain visas. The case challenges trust in law enforcement and prompts calls for stricter oversight of the U visa certification process nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
