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Staged armed robbery in Lock Haven leads to visa fraud conviction

Vinaykumar Patel could face 25 years in prison when sentenced.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — A man from India has been convicted of visa fraud after federal authorities say he staged an armed robbery at his business in Clinton County.

Vinaykumar Patel, 50, a citizen of the Republic of India, was convicted of multiple counts related to visa fraud and conspiracy following a three-day jury trial that concluded earlier this week.

According to prosecutors, Patel was the manager of the Fuel-On convenience store near Lock Haven. In June 2019, Patel contacted an associate in New Jersey and asked that person to hire someone to stage a robbery at the Fuel-On store.

After the staged robbery occurred, it was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police. Patel then used the state police reports of the robbery to apply for a U-visa—a special visa offered by the federal government to non-citizens who are crime victims and cooperative with law enforcement.

Patel could face up to 25 years in prison when sentenced.

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