U.S. Authorities Charged NRI Businessman ‘Chandrakant Patel’
with Visa Fraud
Los Angeles/ July 18, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh
In a sweeping federal indictment, five men from Louisiana—among them current and former law enforcement officers—have been charged in connection with a complex scheme involving bribery, visa fraud, and mail fraud. The charges stem from a long-running conspiracy uncovered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) following irregularities in U visa applications.
The indictment, consisting of 62 counts, accuses the defendants of participating in a fraudulent operation lasting over nine and a half years. The individuals are alleged to have created and validated falsified police reports of staged armed robberies in central Louisiana. These reports were allegedly used to support fraudulent U visa applications for individuals who paid to be falsely named as victims.
The five indicted individuals are:
- NRI Chandrakant Patel, also known as “Lala,” of Oakdale
- Chad Doyle, current Chief of Police, Oakdale
- Michael “Freck” Slaney, Marshal, Ward 5 Marshal’s Office, Oakdale
- Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police, Forest Hill
- Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police, Glenmora
According to the charges, Patel coordinated the fraudulent effort by accepting large payments from foreign nationals seeking U visas. These individuals would then be falsely listed as victims in fabricated police reports. Patel allegedly collaborated with his co-defendants—who held positions of authority in law enforcement—to draft and certify these reports and supporting USCIS documents.
Additionally, Patel is accused of attempting to bribe an agent from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office with $5,000 in exchange for producing a false police report on February 18, 2025.
The U visa program was created to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute serious crimes, while offering protection to victims who assist authorities. However, federal investigators allege that the defendants exploited this system for financial gain and personal benefit.
If found guilty, each defendant could face:
- Up to 5 years in prison for conspiracy,
- 10 years for visa fraud,
- 20 years for mail fraud, and
- In Patel’s case, an additional 10 years for bribery.
- Each count also carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a joint effort by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security under Executive Order 14159, aimed at tackling immigration fraud and enhancing national security.
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