Editor’s note: This article contains graphic language.
A Democrat running for office in Texas is learning the consequences of his actions.
The Daily Caller reported that Taral Patel was arrested and charged with a felony for allegedly creating social media accounts to post fake racist attacks against himself.
Patel, the Democrat nominee for Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner, in September 2023 made a post to his Facebook account claiming that his “Republican opponents supporters’ decide[d] to hurl #racist, #anti-immigrant, #Hinduphobic, or otherwise disgusting insults,” attaching screenshots allegedly showing prejudiced statements made by residents of the county.
The disturbing messages were eventually traced back to Patel following an investigation conducted by the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office and the Texas Rangers, the Houston Chronicle reported.
“We don’t need more sand negroid subhumans who smell like curry and filth in our country,” one comment flagged by Patel reads. “If I see you wearing that dot on your head, I’ll wipe it off myself,” another reads.
Republican opponent Commissioner Andy Meyers initially suspected foul play when Patel made his post alleging the racist attacks, according to Houston Public Media. Meyers told reporters that he recognized one of the accounts as having attacked him before and decided to act on his suspicions and hire a private investigator.
Meyers asked the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office to look into the accounts posting the messages after his PI was unable to find any information. The district attorney’s office issued a subpoena to Facebook and Google and obtained account data that matched Patel’s address, phone number, Texas driver’s license number and bank card number, according to ABC 13.
Patel allegedly used a picture of a real man living in Fort Bend County for a fake account, according to Houston Public Media. The man told the district attorney’s office that Patel did not have permission to use his likeness.
Texas Rangers arrested Patel last week for online impersonation, a third-degree felony, and misrepresentation of identity, according to The Daily Caller. Patel’s total bond was $22,250.
The local Democrat’s campaign boasted numerous high-profile endorsements like Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) and Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro (D) on his campaign website.
His website also states that President Joe Biden appointed Patel to serve in the Office of White House Liaison during which time he says he was “a key member” of the White House Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Committee.
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Nancy grew up in the South where her passion for politics first began. After getting her BA in journalism from Ole Miss she became an arts and culture writer for Athens Magazine where she enjoyed reporting on the eclectic music and art scene in Athens, GA.
However, her desire to report on issues and policies impacting everyday Americans won out and she packed her bags for Washington, DC. Now, she splits her time between the Nation’s Capital and Philadelphia where she covers the fast-paced environment of politics, business, and news.
In her off time, you can find Nancy exploring museums or enjoying brunch with friends.
