Two-minute impact
Over the last 10 months, court documents show Patel was charged on eight claims, including two other misdemeanors for misrepresentation of identity and four felony charges for online impersonation.
In the plea, Patel agreed to a two-year deferred adjudication probation for the two charges, which is often offered to first-time offenders, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office announced in an April 15 news release. He also admitted to committing one of the misdemeanors alongside Fort Bend County Judge KP George.
Additionally, Patel agreed to a two-year pretrial intervention for the four online impersonation felony charges, which claimed he used fake Facebook profiles to attack himself and other political candidates. The intervention is an agreement with the DA’s office to dismiss all felony charges if he completes all terms, according to the release.
“Justice and accountability were achieved today when Taral Patel accepted responsibility and pled guilty to the offenses,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release. “We believe the terms of the plea bargain are fair for the community and for the defendant. Now we can all move forward.”
A closer look
According to the release, terms of the probation and intervention include:
- Completing 600 hours of community service
- Maintaining no contact with victims or elected officials affected, including Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers and District Judge Surendran Pattel
- Writing apology letters to each victim and the Fort Bend County community
- A $2,000 donation to the Fort Bend Partnership for Youth
In his own words
In his community apology letter, Patel said he was “deeply remorseful” for the pain and stress he has caused and expressed his regrets for being unable to comment due to legal proceedings, according to the letter shared by the DA’s office.
“Today, I ask you for grace and kindness,” he said in the letter. “Even if it's not deserved, I ask for your forgiveness. I promise I will dedicate myself even more fiercely to doing good, helping others, and restoring trust.”
Patel said he hopes to show his commitment to making amends with the county community through his community service and nonprofit donation.
“These contributions are not meant to be one-offs or temporary acts of service ... instead, I recognize that seeking redemption is the work of a lifetime ahead, and I will treat this second chance for what it is: the opportunity to take responsibility and shape my life around service,” he wrote. “Only through my actions can I prove it to you.”
Patel said he will continue to pursue serving his community, which he said is his “life mission.”
“Fort Bend County made me who I am,” he said. “I love this community with all my heart, and I promise to move forward in a way that will make you proud.”
Looking back
The charges were the result of an investigation, opened in October 2023, by request of Meyers, who asked the DA’s office to look into the identity of Facebook user “Antonio Scalywag.” The Scalywag account was at the center of multiple “racist” online attacks against Patel during his November 2024 run for commissioner against Meyers.
Following the initial arrest in June, the DA’s Public Integrity Division investigators found multiple Facebook accounts that Patel is alleged to have created, according to indictment records. A profile impersonating Pattel, who was the judge initially assigned to Patel’s case before it was transferred, was also found.
What else?
George was also indicted in September on charges of misrepresenting his identity in September 2022 with intent to injure a candidate or influence his re-election in November 2022, Community Impact reported. George is accused of having knowledge that Patel—George’s former chief of staff—was using a false Facebook account to make claims against George and others.
Additionally, George was also arrested April 4 on two counts of money laundering between $30,000 and $150,000.
Going forward
If Patel completes all requirements, the two remaining misdemeanor charges and the felonies will be dropped, per the release.
