Louisiana Police Chiefs Arrested in Shocking Bribery Scheme to Aid Foreign Nationals in Visa Applications | CNN

A group of Louisiana police chiefs and a Subway shop owner faces serious accusations. They allegedly worked together for years to falsify police reports, helping foreign citizens fraudulently obtain visas designed for crime victims or witnesses.

A federal grand jury recently issued a 62-count indictment against this group. The charges include bribery, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and immigration fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook, from the Western District of Louisiana, announced these developments.

The scheme targets U visas, which allow certain foreign nationals to remain in the U.S. if they are victims or witnesses of crimes. These visas are crucial for law enforcement to solve cases, yet the U.S. limits their availability. Fraudulent applications can block legitimate victims from getting the help they need.

According to reports, the Subway shop operator allegedly paid $5,000 to officers to falsely label 24 people as crime victims. This collusion is believed to have occurred between December 2015 and July 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of the charges by individual:

• Chandrakant “Lala” Patel: Subway store owner, charged with bribery, mail fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
• Chad Doyle: Oakdale Police Chief, facing similar charges including visa fraud.
• Michael “Freck” Slaney: Oakdale Marshal, also charged with visa fraud and conspiracy.
• Glynn Dixon: Forest Hill Police Chief, charged with visa fraud and several related offenses.
• Tebo Onishea: Former Glenmora Police Chief, charged with visa fraud and conspiracy.

The indictment includes the initials and last names of 24 alleged victims, all sharing the surname Patel. It remains unclear if these individuals are connected to the Subway owner.

These events have sparked discussions on social media, highlighting the broader implications of immigration fraud on genuine crime victims. Experts argue that policing integrity is vital for public trust and effective law enforcement. Recent studies indicate that communities with robust police integrity have better cooperation from residents when reporting crimes.

This case is a stark reminder of the challenges in ensuring that legal frameworks designed to protect vulnerable populations are not exploited.

To read more about U visas and their importance, visit USCIS.

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