The Fort Bend County District’s Attorney’s Office issued a search warrant Sept. 17 for Fort Bend County Judge KP George’s electronic devices in connection with an online impersonation case.
The overview
George is suspected of working with Taral Patel—the Democratic candidate for Precinct 3 commissioner who also served as George's former chief of staff—by “acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of misrepresentation of identity,” according to the Sept. 17 search warrant.
This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000, said Wesley Wittig, second assistant district attorney for Fort Bend County. However, George hasn't been charged with a crime at his time, he said.
The details
On Sept. 18, 2022, Patel allegedly sent a text message to George, which said “I am posting the image now,” which investigators believe referred to a social media collage posted on George’s Facebook page featuring several “hateful, racist and xenophobic” comments against George.
The image included a post by “Antonio Scalywag,” one of the false accounts Patel is accused of operating, according to the warrant.
Additionally, there was an incident Sept. 26, 2022, when Patel allegedly shared screenshots of comments against George asking if he approved of comments posted. George allegedly suggested an addition of wording, and investigators believe he was aware of Patel’s fake account, according to the warrant.
What else
The warrant claims the messages were sent during George’s campaign for re-election for Fort Bend County judge in November 2022 against Republican candidate Troy Nehls, where he reclaimed his seat by about 3 percentage points.
The search warrant, which was filed Sept. 19, called for seizure of all of George’s cellular communication devices, including phones, smart watches, tablets and computers.
In his own words
In a Sept. 20 written statement issued by George, he stated he complied with the search warrant where his cellphone and computer were seized. He claimed he was told by the Texas Rangers and the DA's office that he is "considered a witness, not a target."
“I have not been charged with any crime, nor do I expect to be. While I respect the legal process, and willingly complied with the search warrant, I must express my deep disappointment in how this event was conducted," George said in the statement. "Had I been treated with courtesy and respect, I would have voluntarily surrendered the requested items in person to the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office. Instead, the aggressive and unnecessary approach used has fueled unwarranted speculation, led to public slander, and created an unsafe environment for both my family and me. I have retained legal counsel to ensure my rights are fully protected throughout this process.”
Community Impact reached out to Patel for comment but didn’t hear back by press time.
Looking back
Patel was arrested in June and charged with online impersonation and misinterpretation of identity, according to arrest records from the Fort Bend County Texas Department of Public Safety.
After his initial arrest, Patel was indicted at a Sept. 3 grand jury hearing on three additional counts of online impersonation and misinterpretation of identity after further instances were found by the DA’s office during the investigation period.
Looking ahead
Patel is set to appear in the 434 District Court on Sept. 23 for arraignment on the four felony charges, according to court records.
Texas Local Government code states a person won’t be removed from an elected position if they’re convicted of a crime after taking office if the crime was committed before being elected to the position, Wittig previously said.
If a county officer is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving official misconduct, the Texas Local Government code authorizes immediate removal upon conviction, Wittig said. However, the person convicted of the crime has the right to appeal, which can result in a hold on the removal.
Kelly Schafler contributed to this report.
