iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Taral Patel, a 30-year-old Indian-American candidate for Fort Bend County Commissioner in Texas, has been arrested by Texas Rangers on charges of online impersonation and misrepresentation of identity. These charges are considered violations of the Texas Election Code.
Patel, a Democrat running for Precinct 3 commissioner, is facing serious legal consequences. The charges include a third-degree felony for online impersonation and a Class A misdemeanor for misrepresentation of identity. He is currently being held on bonds totaling $20,000 for the felony charge and $2,500 for the misdemeanor.
This arrest comes after a series of events that began in September 2023. At that time, Patel brought attention to derogatory Facebook comments directed at him. These comments allegedly included accusations of terrorism and communism, as well as disparaging remarks about Hinduism.
In response to Patel’s claims about these comments, a spokesperson for the Republican incumbent, Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, raised questions about the authenticity of the posts. The spokesperson highlighted the difficulty in verifying the identities of the commenters on social media platforms.
Among the controversial postings was a picture of Meyers standing beside a cut-out of former US President and presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump from a previous campaign. This image added another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
Patel’s political background is notable. He previously served as the youngest chief of staff for the Fort Bend County judge’s office under Judge KP George, who is also a prominent member of the Indian-American community.
In a statement to ABC13, George wrote: “As a public official, I address the recent events involving a former employee with a deep sense of concern. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, I emphasize the vital importance of upholding the principles of due process and impartial investigation. I trust that this matter will be examined without prejudice. While awaiting additional information, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring justice and accountability. I look forward to gaining a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.”
Patel has also been involved in various political campaigns, including those for Mayor Bill White, Senator Rodney Ellis, and Wendy Davis.
Born to Indian immigrants and raised in Houston, Patel completed his education locally before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. The case has garnered significant attention, particularly within the Indian-American community and local political circles.
