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Lock Haven Man Convicted of Visa Fraud in Bizarre Staged Robbery Scheme
A Lock Haven man has been convicted of visa fraud and conspiracy after a three-day jury trial, prosecutors announced.
Vinaykumar Patel, 33, a citizen of the Republic of India, was found guilty on multiple counts related to visa fraud and conspiracy. Patel was the manager of the Fuel-On convenience store in Lock Haven, PA.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Patel staged a robbery at the store in June 2019. After the staged robbery occurred, it was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police. Patel then used the PSP reports of the robbery to apply for a U-visa, a special visa offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to non-citizens who are victims of crime and who are cooperative with law enforcement.
Patel had no lawful immigration status in the United States at the time of the staged robbery. The U-visa is typically reserved for individuals who have been victims of crime, not perpetrators.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Geoffrey MacArthur and Alisan Martin prosecuted the case.
Vinaykumar Patel faces a maximum penalty of 25 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The sentence will be determined by the judge after considering the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The conviction marks a significant blow to individuals who attempt to manipulate the immigration system for personal gain. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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