A Texas political candidate has been arrested for allegedly sending fake hate messages to himself on social media.
Talal Patel, Democratic candidate for Fort Bend 3rd District Commissioner, was arrested by the Texas Rangers and charged with online impersonation and identity fraud.
Authorities allege that for months, Patel posed as a supporter of incumbent Republican Commissioner Andy Myers and sent him racist and derogatory comments.
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Talal Patel is seen in the mugshot above. (Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office)
The investigation began in October 2023 after Myers asked authorities to investigate those responsible for the harsh comments made against Patel, according to Patel's arrest record.
Ms Patel previously posted a collage of hateful comments she believed were sent by Ms Myers' supporters, arguing that the messages represented “deep-seated, false fears” within the Republican Party.
“As a Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, I will always be open to criticism about my policies and stances on issues,” Patel said in a Facebook post in September 2023. “However, when my Republican opponent and supporters decide to hurl racist, anti-immigrant, Hinduphobic or other offensive insults at my family, my faith community, my colleagues and me, that crosses a line.”
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Fort Bend County District 3 Commissioner W.A. “Andy” Myers attends a county commissioner meeting in Richmond on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Brett Comer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Police reported that Patel had been using a photo of a Fort Bend resident as his profile picture without their consent.
Fort Bend County Republican Chairman Bobby Eberle responded to Patel's arrest by issuing a statement calling the situation “deeply disturbing.”
“Anyone who values ​​political integrity and accountability, whether Republican or Democrat, should unequivocally condemn these tactics,” Eberle said. “This is not a partisan issue. The good people of Fort Bend County should be able to trust that any allegations made are sincere.”
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“The residents of Fort Bend County deserve better leadership than someone who creates fake accounts for political gain and fabricates racist attacks in an attempt to pit neighbors against neighbors,” he concluded.
Timothy Nerozzi is a writer for Fox News Digital. Follow him on Twitter at @timothynerozzi or email him at timothy.nerozzi@fox.com.