A shocking scandal has rocked Louisiana's law enforcement community as three current and former police chiefs face serious federal charges. The case involves an intricate scheme of creating fraudulent armed robbery reports to help immigrants secure special U.S. visas.
According to ABC News, federal authorities arrested the law enforcement officials for allegedly selling fake police reports to immigrants at $5,000 per person. The operation, which ran from 2015 to July 2025, involved creating false armed robbery reports that immigrants could use to apply for U-visas.
The investigation has identified Chandrakant "Lala" Patel of Oakdale as the mastermind behind the operation, facing the most severe charges, including conspiracy, bribery, multiple counts of mail fraud, and money laundering. Current Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle, Ward 5 Marshal Michael "Freck" Slaney, and two other former police chiefs were also implicated in the scheme.
High-ranking Officers Betray Public Trust
The scope of the criminal enterprise has sent shockwaves through Louisiana's law enforcement community. Acting U.S. Attorney Alec Van Hook revealed that the scheme exploited the U-visa program, which allows crime victims and their family members to remain in the United States.
The fraudulent operation was discovered when authorities noticed an unusual concentration of armed robbery reports involving non-Louisiana residents in smaller communities. Investigation revealed these robberies never actually occurred, but were fabricated to help immigrants secure legal status.
Prosecutors allege that Patel acted as the middleman, collecting payments from immigrants and distributing $5,000 to officers for each person listed on a false police report. The sophisticated scheme operated for nearly a decade before authorities uncovered the illegal operation.
Extensive Federal Investigation Uncovers Network
Multiple federal agencies collaborated in the investigation, including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation. The Louisiana State Police and Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office also provided crucial support in uncovering the fraud network.
The city of Oakdale has responded to the arrests with a public statement, emphasizing their commitment to cooperating fully with authorities. Officials stressed that they understand the gravity of the situation and will act in accordance with the law.
The charges against the accused are severe, with each defendant potentially facing decades in prison if convicted. The conspiracy charge alone carries up to 5 years, while mail fraud could result in 20 years behind bars.
Legal Consequences and Department Impact
Van Hook emphasized that these charges target individual officers rather than entire departments. This distinction is crucial for maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions across Louisiana.
If convicted, the defendants face substantial financial penalties, with each count carrying potential fines of up to $250,000. The additional bribery charge against Patel could add another 10 years to his sentence.
The visa fraud scheme has raised concerns about the integrity of the U-visa program and its vulnerability to exploitation. The case highlights the need for stronger oversight in both law enforcement and immigration processes.
Major Immigration Fraud Investigation Continues
This case represents one of the most significant law enforcement corruption investigations in recent Louisiana history. The scheme's sophisticated nature and long-running operation have prompted authorities to examine similar patterns in other jurisdictions.
The arrests have sparked discussions about the need for reform in both police departments and immigration procedures. The impact extends beyond the accused officers to potentially hundreds of immigrants who obtained visas through fraudulent means.
The federal investigation remains active as authorities work to identify all parties involved in the scheme. The case will proceed through the federal court system, with potentially far-reaching implications for law enforcement accountability and immigration policy.
