LAFAYETTE, La. (7/16/2025) – Federal authorities have unsealed a 62-count indictment charging five individuals, including current and former law enforcement officers and a Central Louisiana businessman, in a sweeping visa fraud and bribery scheme that allegedly spanned nearly a decade.
Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana announced the charges at a press conference Wednesday, joined by leaders from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“This case represents a culmination of joint law enforcement efforts across South Louisiana,” Van Hook said, adding that the arrests underscore the commitment to rooting out corruption and protecting the integrity of U.S. immigration programs.
Who Was Charged?
The indictment names:
- Chandrakant “Lala” Patel, a businessman from Oakdale
- Chad Doyle, Chief of Police for Oakdale
- Michael Slaney, Ward 5 Marshal in Oakdale
- Glynn Dixon, former Chief of Police for Forest Hill
- Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police for Glenmora
The charges against them include:
| Defendant | Charges |
|---|---|
| Chandrakant Patel | Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1), Visa Fraud (6), Bribery of a Public Official (1), Mail Fraud (24), Money Laundering (8) |
| Chad Doyle | Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1), Visa Fraud (6), Mail Fraud (6), Money Laundering (1) |
| Michael Slaney | Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1), Visa Fraud (6), Mail Fraud (6), Money Laundering (2) |
| Glynn Dixon | Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1), Visa Fraud (6), Mail Fraud (6), Money Laundering (1) |
| Tebo Onishea | Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1), Visa Fraud (6), Mail Fraud (6) |
What They’re Accused Of
Federal investigators allege that from 2015 through July 2025, Patel acted as a middleman, charging foreign nationals thousands of dollars to secure U-Visas by submitting fraudulent police reports.
The U-Visa program allows victims of crimes to remain in the U.S. to assist law enforcement. According to prosecutors, Patel paid the officers $5,000 per name to falsely claim that applicants were victims of armed robberies in Central Louisiana communities.
“These visas serve a vital purpose in helping prosecute crimes,” Van Hook said. “But here they were abused for profit, undermining public trust and national security.”
Search warrants were executed at several locations, including the Oakdale and Forest Hill police departments and a Subway restaurant operated by Patel. Two officers, Doyle and Dixon, were arrested without incident at a law enforcement conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The scheme was uncovered in July 2024 after a tip from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. HSI agents began investigating and quickly brought in the FBI and IRS. Nearly 200 officers participated in the operation, executing 11 search warrants and multiple consent searches across Central and South Louisiana.
“This was a sophisticated, multi-year conspiracy involving hundreds of names,” said Eric DeLune, HSI Special Agent in Charge.
Jonathan Tapp, FBI Special Agent in Charge for New Orleans, called it a “betrayal of the badge,” saying: “Law enforcement officers are expected to honor public trust, not sell it.”
Potential Penalties
If convicted, the defendants face:
- Up to 5 years for conspiracy
- 10 years per visa fraud count
- 20 years per mail fraud count
- 10 years for bribery
- Up to 20 years per money laundering count
- Fines of up to $250,000 per count
- Forfeiture of property and assets purchased with illicit proceeds
Patel remains in custody. The four officers were released on conditions after the court determined they posed no flight risk.
Officials Stress Integrity
Sheriff Mark Wood reassured the public: “99.9% of law enforcement officers are good. Unfortunately, there are occasional bad apples, and this is what happens.”
Colonel Robert Hodges of Louisiana State Police added, “Actions have consequences. Lawlessness will not go unchecked, and it will not be tolerated.”
Officials stressed the investigation is ongoing and additional charges or arrests are possible.
“All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court,” Van Hook said.
The Bigger Picture
The arrests are part of Operation Take Back America and the Homeland Security Task Force’s efforts to combat transnational crime and corruption.
“Public trust in law enforcement is essential,” said Hardiman of the IRS. “We will not allow financial crime and immigration fraud to be hidden under the cloak of legitimacy.”
Stay with UrbanCast for continuing updates on this developing case.
The DOJ emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
