LAFAYETTE, La. – A web of deceit spanning nearly a decade has unraveled in central Louisiana, culminating in a 62-count federal indictment targeting law enforcement officers and a local business owner. The charges? Conspiracy to commit visa fraud, bribery, mail fraud, and money laundering. The scheme allegedly exploited a program designed to protect victims of crime, turning it into a profit-driven racket.
Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, along with heads of Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation, announced the indictment today. At the center of the scheme is Chandrakant Patel a/k/a “Lala,” of Oakdale, LA, facing the most severe charges: Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count), Bribery (1 count), Mail Fraud (24 counts), and Money Laundering (8 counts). Also indicted are Chad Doyle, Chief of Police for the City of Oakdale, LA, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count), Visa Fraud (6 counts), Mail Fraud (6 counts), and Money Laundering (1 count).
Rounding out the accused are Michael Slaney a/k/a “Freck,” Marshal of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale, LA, facing Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count), Visa Fraud (6 counts), Mail Fraud (6 counts), and Money Laundering (2 counts); Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police for the City of Forest Hill, LA, similarly charged with Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count), Visa Fraud (6 counts), Mail Fraud (6 counts), and Money Laundering (1 count); and Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police for the City of Glenmora, LA, also indicted on Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count), Visa Fraud (6 counts), Mail Fraud (6 counts).
The indictment details a conspiracy stretching from December 26, 2015, to at least July 15, 2025. The alleged scheme revolved around the U-Visa program, created by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Intended to aid legitimate victims of crime and bolster law enforcement investigations, the program requires applicants to prove they were victims of qualifying criminal activity and obtain certification from a law enforcement agency. Patel and his co-conspirators allegedly fabricated police reports detailing armed robberies that never happened, naming individuals seeking U-Visas as the “victims.”
According to the indictment, individuals, referred to as “aliens,” contacted Patel or a facilitator, and paid him thousands of dollars to be falsely listed as robbery victims in the fabricated police reports. Patel then allegedly enlisted the help of Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea to author and authenticate these false reports, allowing the applicants to submit fraudulent U-Visa applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The required forms included the Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, and the crucial Form I-918B, the U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, requiring the signature of an authorized law enforcement official confirming victimization.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office hasn’t released details on potential sentencing guidelines if convicted, but given the breadth of the charges – particularly the mail fraud and money laundering counts – the defendants could face significant prison time. This case underscores a disturbing trend: the exploitation of programs designed to help vulnerable individuals for personal gain, and the betrayal of public trust by those sworn to uphold the law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime|Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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