Indian American Political Candidate From Texas Arrested for Alleged Online Impersonation

An Indian American political candidate from Texas was arrested on June 12 for alleged online impersonation. Taral Patel, 30, who is running for Precinct 3 commissioner from Fort Bend County, is being charged with “online impersonation, a third-degree felony, as well as a Class-A misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity,” according to a press release issued by Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Division.

The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Division has been investigating a complaint against Patel in collaboration with the Texas Rangers.

He is being held on a $20,000 bond for the felony and a $2,500 bond for the misdemeanor. He was scheduled to see a judge today is he failed to pose the bond before.

Patel’s website describes him as “a dedicated advocate and longtime public servant” with “a track record of delivering on issues like affordable housing and jobs.” It further notes that his “experience in local, state, and federal government and the private sector has made our local community more effective, engaging, and efficient for everyone that calls Fort Bend home.” 

Additionally, he has “helped lead Fort Bend County successfully through numerous flooding incidents, the COVID-19 pandemic, Winter Storm Uri and electric grid failure, droughts, and other major emergencies to emerge stronger and more united than ever before,” the website adds. His “efforts have brought thousands of good paying jobs to Fort Bend, made historic investments to our public safety and Emergency Management programs, and fought traffic congestion.”

See Also

Indian Americans Are Cautious About Modi’s Third Term; His Critics See a Strong Message Against Hindutva

The website also mentions Patel’s previous jobs. He has worked for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division in the Public Integrity Section, as deputy finance director for a governor, and as a legislative staff member for the Texas House of Representatives” focusing on the Transportation and Government Accountability and Transparency Committees.” He is a graduate of public schools in Fort Bend County and of the University of Texas at Austin.

Top photo, Taral Patel with his grandmother, Surya ba. In a Facebook post on May 25, he wished her “a blessed and happy 96th birthday. Your wisdom, tireless kindness, and lessons continue to make my life and the world a better place.” (Photo: Facebook)