WILLIAMSPORT, PA — Vinaykumar Patel, a 33-year-old citizen of the Republic of India, has been found guilty of multiple counts related to visa fraud and conspiracy. The conviction followed a three-day jury trial in Williamsport, PA, that concluded on December 6, 2023.
United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam revealed that Patel was the manager of the Fuel-On convenience store in Lock Haven, PA. In June 2019, Patel contacted an associate in New Jersey, requesting that they hire someone to stage a robbery at his store. Following the staged robbery, the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the incident. Patel then used the police reports to apply for a U-visa, a special visa offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to non-citizens who are victims of crime and cooperate with law enforcement. At the time of the staged robbery, Patel had no lawful immigration status in the United States.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Geoffrey MacArthur and Alisan Martin prosecuted the case.
Patel now faces a maximum penalty of 25 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The final sentence will be determined by the Judge after considering the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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