Prosecutors said the chiefs and other officials exploited a program that offers immigrant victims of violent crime a pathway to residency and citizenship.

Current Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle and Ward 5 Marshal Michael "Freck" Slaney were each charged with conspiracy, six counts of visa fraud and six counts of mail fraud. Doyle faces one count of money laundering, while Slaney faces two.

Those charged are Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle, Forest Hill Police Chief Glynn Dixon, former Glenmora Police Chief Tebo Onishea, Michael “Freck” Slaney, a marshal in Oakdale, and Chandrakant “Lala” Patel, an Oakdale businessman.