Wife of Louisiana Police Chief Arrested in Expanding U Visa Fraud Investigation

The wife of a Louisiana police chief at the center of a major immigration fraud investigation has been arrested, according to Louisiana State Police. Alison Doyle, a former Oakdale city employee, now faces two counts of malfeasance in office.

Authorities allege that Doyle conspired with local businessman Chandrakant “Lala” Patel to manipulate the bidding process for two city-owned properties. Patel is believed to be a key figure in a years-long U visa fraud scheme involving fabricated police reports.

While officials haven’t confirmed if Doyle’s charges directly relate to the immigration case, her arrest follows the detainment of her husband, Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle, earlier this week. Doyle, Patel, and three other law enforcement officials are accused of producing fake police reports naming immigrants as victims of armed robbery.

These fraudulent reports were allegedly sold to noncitizens for $5,000 each and used to obtain U visas, a type of visa meant for victims of crimes who assist law enforcement. Prosecutors say “hundreds of names” were submitted for fraudulent visa approvals over nearly a decade.

Key Figures in the Case

  • Chad Doyle, Police Chief of Oakdale

  • Glynn Dixon, Police Chief of Forest Hill

  • Tebo Onishea, Former Chief of Glenmora

  • Michael “Freck” Slaney, Oakdale Marshal

  • Chandrakant Patel, Business Owner

  • Alison Doyle, former Oakdale employee

Legal Uncertainty for Migrants

Federal officials have yet to confirm whether migrants who obtained these visas will face legal consequences. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

“We’re committed to protecting the immigration system from abuse and holding accountable those who exploit it,” the agency said.

The U visa program grants immigration relief to victims of certain crimes who assist U.S. authorities in investigations. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, about 10,000 U visas were issued in the fiscal year ending in September 2022.

Alison Doyle’s arrest marks the latest development in a rapidly expanding federal case that may implicate more officials in the misuse of visa programs and abuse of public office.

Source: AP News