News Summary
Four law enforcement officials and a businessman have been indicted for allegedly fabricating police reports to aid immigrants in obtaining U.S. visas. The charges reveal a corrupt scheme involving false reports of armed robberies which led to significant immigration fraud. This case, which includes high-ranking police chiefs, has raised concerns about integrity within law enforcement and the vulnerability of the U visa program to fraudulent activities. Federal investigations continue as the legal repercussions for the accused loom large.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Four law enforcement officials and a businessman have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a scheme to fabricate police reports in order to illegally obtain U.S. visas for immigrants. Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana announced the charges, which are part of a broader investigation into corruption within law enforcement agencies.
The defendants include Chandrakant Patel, a Louisiana businessman, and three police chiefs: Chad Doyle, the current Oakdale Police Chief; Glynn Dixon, the current Forest Hill Police Chief; and Tebo Onishea, the former Glenmora Police Chief. Additionally, Michael Slaney, a marshal in the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office, has also been implicated in the scheme.
The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began on December 26, 2015, and continued through at least July 15, 2025. Immigrants seeking U visas would contact Patel or another facilitator, who would coordinate with the law enforcement officials to create false police reports declaring that these immigrants were victims of armed robberies. The fraudulent reports were designed to facilitate the processing of U visas, which are intended for victims of certain crimes.
The law enforcement officials involved in the scheme allegedly received $5,000 for each fabricated name submitted in the false reports. According to the indictment, hundreds of these false reports were generated, leading to an artificial rise in recorded armed robberies involving non-residents of Louisiana. U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook stated that the referenced armed robberies never occurred.
Patel is facing multiple charges, including one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, one count of bribery, 24 counts of mail fraud, and eight counts of money laundering. The bribery charge could lead to a potential sentence of ten years in prison. Doyle and Dixon are also confronted with serious charges, including one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, six counts of visa fraud, six counts of mail fraud, and one count of money laundering, all of which carry substantial penalties upon conviction.
Slaney faces charges similar to those against Doyle and Dixon, while Onishea is charged with a conspiracy to commit visa fraud and multiple counts of visa fraud and mail fraud. The potential penalties for these fraud-related offenses are significant—each count of visa fraud may result in a maximum sentence of ten years, while mail fraud could lead to sentences of up to twenty years per count. Defendants are also exposed to possible fines of up to $250,000 per count, and money laundering charges may lead to asset forfeiture.
Law enforcement efforts have intensified following the investigation that began after a tip was received last July from Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding these fraudulent activities. Federal agents have been seen conducting searches at the homes of both Doyle and Dixon, as well as at police departments implicated in the scheme.
The U visa program, established in October 2000 through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, is designed to support victims of crime by allowing them to remain in the United States to assist law enforcement. Reports indicate that during the 12-month period ending September 30, 2022, approximately 10,000 U visas were issued. However, the program has faced scrutiny regarding its vulnerability to fraud, with a 2022 report from the Homeland Security Office of Inspector General highlighting these concerns.
As the investigation unfolds, Louisiana residents and stakeholders are urged to monitor the developments surrounding these charges. The case underscores the importance of adherence to ethical standards and legal procedures within law enforcement, as well as the ongoing efforts to safeguard against fraud within immigration programs.
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