The trial against Chandrakant Patel for immigration fraud and money laundering continues in Louisiana

The judicial process against Chandrakant “Lala” Patel in a federal case immigration fraud in Louisiana continues with the scheduling of a hearing for next May 8, in which a possible change of statement before the court is expected.

The procedure is set for 10:30 in the morning at the Alexandria Federal Courtwhere Patel had previously appeared and pleaded not guilty on July 23, 2025.

Patel rejected the charges against him

At that first hearing, the accused he denied the 34 charges brought against himwhich include eight money laundering24 for mail fraud, one for bribery and one for conspiracy to commit visa fraud. After that appearance, the investigating judge Joseph Perez-Montes He ordered that he remain in preventive detention until the trial.

Patel is part of a group of five defendants in a federal investigation into an alleged immigration fraud and money laundering scheme in Louisiana, in which several current and former law enforcement officials were also named.

Among them are Chad Doyle, Oakdale Police Chief; Michael “Freck” Slaneysheriff of the city of Oakdale; Glynn Dixon, former Forest Hill police chief; and Tebo Onishea, former Glenmora police chief.

Falsification of police reports

According to the prosecutor’s office, those involved would have falsified police reports to simulate non-existent crimes, with the aim of facilitating requests for U visas for foreign citizens.

Homeland Security Investigators (HSI) estimate that around 300 direct applicants obtained U visas under this scheme, while more than 650 applications in total would have been submitted.

During the judicial process, an HSI special agent testified that Patel would have acknowledged his participation in the scheme after an interrogation of approximately two hours.

Records from the Rapides Parish Jail indicate that Patel was arrested on July 15, 2025 and remains held at the Rapides 3 Detention Centerbeing the only one of the accused who remains in preventive detention because he is considered a flight risk by the authorities.

The defendant, a citizen of India, had applied for U.S. citizenship and was on advance parole at the time of his arrest.

In addition to the federal prosecution, Patel has also been named in a state investigation related to alleged irregularities linked to the wife of Oakdale police chiefwho was detained by Louisiana state authorities.

If convicted, the defendants could face federal prison sentences and financial penalties for the charges of conspiracy, visa fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.

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