A Columbia man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally obtain a U Visa, a temporary U.S. immigration status that provides a path to lawful permanent residence in the United States.
The U Visa status is reserved for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse, and have been helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
Evidence obtained during an investigation showed that on March 9, 2025, Birenkumar Rameshbhai “Mike” Patel, 47, worked with a convenience store clerk to stage a robbery in order to qualify for U Visa status.
Law enforcement received a 911 call reporting a robbery, and when the authorities arrived at the scene, the clerk attempted to explain the robbery before being transported to the hospital. Patel also arrived at the scene and attempted to explain the robbery.
Officers reviewed surveillance video of the event which did appear to show a robbery. However, further review showed that the robbery was staged to make it appear that the store clerk was the victim, when in actuality, Patel acted as the robber and attempted to disguise himself by covering his face and wearing a jacket with long sleeves.
Then, on March 25, 2025, Patel and the clerk requested a copy of the incident report.
“In an attempt to appear as a crime victim and qualify for a U Visa, on April 3, 2025, Patel and/or the clerk caused to be mailed a federal certification to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department requesting that the head of that department sign a form acknowledging that the clerk was the victim of a ‘felonious assault.’ Officials determined that the store clerk was a citizen of India and that a U Visa would have allowed him to remain in the U.S. legally,” The United States Department of Justice stated in a release.
Patel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000, restitution and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph A. Anderson, Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Patel after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. The clerk was deported to India.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Potterfield is prosecuting the case.