FORT BEND, TX - Officials with the Texas Rangers have announced the arrest of political candidate for Fort Bend Precinct 3 Commissioner, Taral Patel.
According to Fox 26, Patel faces third-degree felony online impersonation and a class a misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity under the Texas Election Code. The Texas Rangers were the ones to execute the search and arrest warrants for the investigation of Patel and the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Public Integrity Division is working with them as the investigation remains active.
As of this writing, limited details have been released, but Patel is being held on a $20,000 bond for the felony charge and a $2,500 bond for the misdemeanor charge. Since his arrest earlier in the week, KHOU 11 has learned more about the incident. According to a court document, Patel created a fake Facebook account using the name "Antonio Scalywag," and used a photo of a Needville man for the profile picture.
One of the investigators on the case said that Patel used the account from October 2022 to May 2024. On the account Patel made racist posts about himself under the alias of Antonio Scalywag and would then issue a press release saying that he was the victim of racist attacks. Patel even went as far to include a collage of the posts made by "Scalywag" in the press release.
The investigator learned that the same alias was also used to attack Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers before Patel launched his own campaign to run against Meyers. The investigator tracked down the man whose photo was used on the fake Facebook account and he said that it was used without his knowledge.
Patel's arrest comes weeks after he secured the Democratic nomination in the race for Fort Bend County Commissioner of Precinct 3. Patel was able to post bond and was released from jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22nd. According to ABC 13, Patel previously served as chief of staff for Fort Bend County Judge KP George from 2018 to 2021.
Judge George released a statement on Patel's arrest, saying, "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."
He added, "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." Click2Houston reported that a law passed by the Texas Legislature back in 2009 helped play a role in the arrest of Patel.
Under Texas Penal Code § 33.07, Patel reportedly committed an offense of harassment through impersonation often classified as a type of "cyberstalking" on other states. The law specifically makes it a felony to use the name or persona of another person to create a web page or post on a social networking site if the action is taken to harm, threaten, defraud or intimidate the other person.
Under the law, a person is prohibited from sending an electronic mail, instant message, text message or similar communication that references a name, domain, address, phone number or another item of identifying information belonging to any person without obtaining the other person's consent; with the intent to cause a recipient of the communication to reasonably believe that the other person authorized or transmitted the communication; and with the intent to harm or defraud any person.
As of this writing, Patel has not released a comment following his arrest, making it unclear what his position will be with regards to the November election.
According to Fox 26, Patel faces third-degree felony online impersonation and a class a misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity under the Texas Election Code. The Texas Rangers were the ones to execute the search and arrest warrants for the investigation of Patel and the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Public Integrity Division is working with them as the investigation remains active.
As of this writing, limited details have been released, but Patel is being held on a $20,000 bond for the felony charge and a $2,500 bond for the misdemeanor charge. Since his arrest earlier in the week, KHOU 11 has learned more about the incident. According to a court document, Patel created a fake Facebook account using the name "Antonio Scalywag," and used a photo of a Needville man for the profile picture.
One of the investigators on the case said that Patel used the account from October 2022 to May 2024. On the account Patel made racist posts about himself under the alias of Antonio Scalywag and would then issue a press release saying that he was the victim of racist attacks. Patel even went as far to include a collage of the posts made by "Scalywag" in the press release.
The investigator learned that the same alias was also used to attack Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers before Patel launched his own campaign to run against Meyers. The investigator tracked down the man whose photo was used on the fake Facebook account and he said that it was used without his knowledge.
Patel's arrest comes weeks after he secured the Democratic nomination in the race for Fort Bend County Commissioner of Precinct 3. Patel was able to post bond and was released from jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22nd. According to ABC 13, Patel previously served as chief of staff for Fort Bend County Judge KP George from 2018 to 2021.
Judge George released a statement on Patel's arrest, saying, "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."
He added, "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." Click2Houston reported that a law passed by the Texas Legislature back in 2009 helped play a role in the arrest of Patel.
Under Texas Penal Code § 33.07, Patel reportedly committed an offense of harassment through impersonation often classified as a type of "cyberstalking" on other states. The law specifically makes it a felony to use the name or persona of another person to create a web page or post on a social networking site if the action is taken to harm, threaten, defraud or intimidate the other person.
Under the law, a person is prohibited from sending an electronic mail, instant message, text message or similar communication that references a name, domain, address, phone number or another item of identifying information belonging to any person without obtaining the other person's consent; with the intent to cause a recipient of the communication to reasonably believe that the other person authorized or transmitted the communication; and with the intent to harm or defraud any person.
As of this writing, Patel has not released a comment following his arrest, making it unclear what his position will be with regards to the November election.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments
2024-06-17T13:26-0400 | Comment by: thomas
Clown