Taral Patel, a Democratic candidate for the Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner, was arrested on June 18, 2024, for allegedly creating fake Facebook accounts to post racist comments about himself. The charges include online impersonation and misrepresentation of identity, both serious offenses under Texas law.
The investigation was initiated by Republican incumbent Commissioner Andy Meyers, who noticed suspicious social media activities and requested a thorough investigation.
Patel has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as a politically motivated smear campaign. In a statement on his official social media, Patel said the accusations are baseless and are intended to damage his reputation.
County Judge KP George has called for an independent investigation into the matter, emphasizing the importance of transparency and honesty in public service. George stated in a press release, “If these allegations are true, they represent a serious breach of trust.”
Local organizations, including the Fort Bend Democratic Club, have expressed disappointment and called for accountability. The club released a statement saying, “If these allegations are proven, it undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust in our elected officials.”
The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that it is reviewing all available evidence before making any further determinations. “We take these allegations seriously and will consider all available evidence before making a determination,” said a spokesperson for the DA’s office in an official release.