On May 22, 2025, in Lafayette, Louisiana, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against five individuals, including law enforcement officers and a business owner from central Louisiana. They face charges of conspiracy and fraud. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook along with other federal officials.
The individuals charged include Chandrakant Patel of Oakdale, Louisiana; Chad Doyle, Chief of Police for the City of Oakdale; Michael Slaney, Marshal of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale; Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police for the City of Forest Hill; and Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police for the City of Glenmora.
The indictment accuses them of conspiring to commit visa fraud involving U-Visas. It alleges they created false police reports listing victims of armed robberies to facilitate fraudulent U-Visa applications. These visas are meant to assist crime victims who aid law enforcement.
According to the indictment, Patel allegedly paid $5,000 to influence a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office agent for a fraudulent report. It is also alleged that false statements were submitted in immigration applications by signing forms certifying cooperation with law enforcement when no such crimes occurred.
The charges include mail fraud and money laundering with forfeiture allegations against each defendant. If convicted, they could face significant prison time and fines.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America led by Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which involves various federal agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Nickel and Danny Siefker are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
