FORT BEND COUNTY, TX — The Democratic challenger for the Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner seat, Taral Patel, is facing legal charges for allegedly creating fake social media posts containing racist comments directed at himself.
Republican incumbent Commissioner Andy Meyers initiated an investigation last October, requesting the Fort Bend County district attorney’s office look into the social media posts targeting Patel, as reported by ABC 13.
Investigation Details
Meyers’ request followed a statement from Patel in September, where Patel shared screenshots of various racial hate comments. Although many usernames were hidden, Meyers identified an account named “Antonio Scalywag” as one that had previously attacked him.
Investigators discovered that the fake account used a photo of another individual and obtained a subpoena for Facebook and Google. Data retrieved matched Patel’s address, phone number, Texas driver’s license number, bank card number, and other personal information, according to the outlet.
Patel’s Arrest and Charges
Patel was arrested last Wednesday and charged with a third-degree felony for online impersonation and a Class A misdemeanor for misrepresentation of identity. He was released from the county jail early Thursday after posting a bond set at $20,000 for the felony and $2,500 for the misdemeanor. His court appearance is scheduled for July 22.
In his online post in September, Patel claimed the comments were indicative of a “deep and misguided fear” within the Republican Party.
Reactions to the Arrest
Fort Bend County GOP Chair Bobby Eberle expressed concern over Patel’s actions, stating, “Patel garnered widespread news coverage (like his former boss) for claiming that racist social media posts were made against him,” drawing a comparison to actor Jussie Smollett.
Eberle emphasized that the residents of Fort Bend County deserve better than Patel’s actions. “Whether Republican or Democrat, such tactics should be unequivocally condemned by all who value integrity and accountability in politics,” he said.
