HOUSTON (AP) — Taral Patel, a 30-year-old policy expert and high-profile Indian-origin political candidate, was arrested by Texas Rangers on Wednesday for alleged online impersonation and misrepresentation of identity, a Class A misdemeanor under the Texas Election Code.
The Fort Bend County District Attorney's Public Integrity Division is investigating a complaint against Patel, a political candidate for Precinct 3 Commissioner, in cooperation with the Texas Rangers.
Charges of third-degree felony assault by online impersonation, and a class A misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity, found in the Texas Election Code, are the main complaints. Investigation is ongoing.
Patel is being held on a bond of US$20,000 for a felony and a bond of US$2,500 for a misdemeanor and if he does not post the bond before then, he will be sent to a magistrate on Thursday morning.
According to Patel's campaign website, the Democratic nominee has political experience at both the local and national levels, having even served as a White House liaison under current US President Joe Biden.The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest and said more information will be provided when further updates are received.
In September last year, Patel had sent some campaign emails, allegedly condemning racist posts against him by his Republican opponent. However, he did not name his opponent, Commissioner Andy Meyers.
The posting featured a photo of Meyers standing to the side of a cutout of former US President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during the last campaign.
Patel has served in various political roles and was the youngest chief of staff to serve for the Fort Bend County judge's office when another high-profile Indian American, KP George, was selected as judge.Patel worked as a strategist during George's campaign in the 2018 midterm elections. Previously, he held positions in several campaigns, including those of Mayor Bill White, Senator Rodney Ellis, and Wendy Davis.
Patel's parents immigrated to the United States from India and he grew up in Houston, attending local schools and graduating from the University of Texas at Austin.
The Fort Bend County District Attorney's Public Integrity Division is investigating a complaint against Patel, a political candidate for Precinct 3 Commissioner, in cooperation with the Texas Rangers.
Charges of third-degree felony assault by online impersonation, and a class A misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity, found in the Texas Election Code, are the main complaints. Investigation is ongoing.
Patel is being held on a bond of US$20,000 for a felony and a bond of US$2,500 for a misdemeanor and if he does not post the bond before then, he will be sent to a magistrate on Thursday morning.
According to Patel's campaign website, the Democratic nominee has political experience at both the local and national levels, having even served as a White House liaison under current US President Joe Biden.The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest and said more information will be provided when further updates are received.
In September last year, Patel had sent some campaign emails, allegedly condemning racist posts against him by his Republican opponent. However, he did not name his opponent, Commissioner Andy Meyers.
The posting featured a photo of Meyers standing to the side of a cutout of former US President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during the last campaign.
Patel has served in various political roles and was the youngest chief of staff to serve for the Fort Bend County judge's office when another high-profile Indian American, KP George, was selected as judge.Patel worked as a strategist during George's campaign in the 2018 midterm elections. Previously, he held positions in several campaigns, including those of Mayor Bill White, Senator Rodney Ellis, and Wendy Davis.
Patel's parents immigrated to the United States from India and he grew up in Houston, attending local schools and graduating from the University of Texas at Austin.
