Visa Fraud Plot Involving Louisiana Police Chiefs and Marshal: Allegations and Charges

Federal prosecutors have brought charges against four law enforcement officials in Louisiana, including two sitting police chiefs, for allegedly forging police documentation as part of a plan to unlawfully procure U.S. visas for immigrants. A local businessman is also implicated.

The scheme, claims the indictment, spanned from December 26, 2015, to at least July 15, 2025. Businessman Chandrakant Patel, Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle, Forest Hill Police Chief Glynn Dixon, ex-Glenmora Police Chief Tebo Onishea, and Ward 5 Marshal's Office Marshal Michael Slaney allegedly collaborated to create fabricated police reports. These reports would be utilized in applications for U visas, designated for crime victims.

According to court documents, immigrants interested in U visas reportedly contacted Patel or another facilitator. Patel is said to have then persuaded Doyle, Dixon, Onishea, and Slaney to draft false police reports alleging that these immigrants fell victim to armed robberies. The involved officers would certify and validate the necessary documentation for U visa applications.

Details of the Alleged Fraud and Involvement

During a press briefing, U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook explained that the officers allegedly received payment amountsing to $5,000 per falsified report. The reports contained numerous names, presenting a dubious pattern of armed robberies targeting non-residents of Louisiana.

"These robberies were, in reality, fictitious," Van Hook stated.

In a separate incident, it is alleged that Patel bribed the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office with $5,000 in February 2025 to secure a fake police report from the office.

Charges and Potential Penalties

Charges against Patel include conspiracy to commit visa fraud, bribery, multiple counts of mail fraud, and money laundering. Doyle and Dixon face charges of conspiracy, multiple counts of visa and mail fraud, and money laundering. Slaney has similar charges, plus an additional count of money laundering. Onishea faces conspiracy and multiple counts of visa and mail fraud.

Doyle, Dixon, and Slaney have been taken into custody, and an expansive investigation continues across Louisiana. Reports indicate authorities have executed searches at the residences of Doyle and Dixon.

Legal Ramifications

Conspiracy charges could lead to imprisonment of up to five years. Each count of visa fraud might result in a decade-long sentence. Mail fraud could incur sentences up to 20 years per count. Fines may reach $250,000 per offense, while money laundering offenses could result in asset forfeiture. Patel could also face up to 10 years for bribery.

Background of U Visa Legislation

U visas were introduced in October 2000 under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. This legislation aimed to enhance law enforcement’s capabilities in prosecuting crimes, while also providing protection to cooperative victims. Recent data indicate that approximately 10,000 individuals benefitted from U visas in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022.

A 2022 report criticized the U visa program’s inefficiencies and vulnerability to misuse. In 2024, accusations emerged of staged armed robberies across different states to fraudulently obtain U visa documentation.