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

Four law enforcement officials, including two current police chiefs, are charged in connection with a scheme to fraudulently secure U.S. visas.

Earlier this month, a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned a 62-count indictment charging the five defendants with crimes including conspiracy to commit visa fraud, visa fraud, bribery, mail fraud and money laundering.