Fort Bend County Judge KP George allegedly knew about fake hateful posts, search warrant says
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas - A search warrant claims Fort Bend County Judge KP George was aware of and allowed, his consultant at the time and current candidate for County Commissioner Taral Patel, to post social media comments impersonating people online to threaten others.
Patel was indicted on four felony charges for allegedly creating Facebook accounts impersonating other people with the intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten others.
SUGGESTED: Taral Patel, Fort Bend County Commissioner candidate, faces 4 felony indictments
Under the pseudonym "Antonio Scalywag", Patel is accused of posting racist comments related to Fort Bend County Commissioner of Precinct 3, Andy Meyers. Documents state Patel posted a press release on Sept. 18, 2023, showing a collage of "racist" social media posts. One of the comments in the post read, "I am with Meyers ALL THE WAY. . .unlike Patel and his followers who worship Monkey and Elephant."
Patel was working as a consultant for KP George's re-election campaign during the period the posts were made in 2022.
In a recent search warrant, investigators searched Patel's phone and found he had access to KP George's social media accounts in 2022. They also found text messages from Patel to George saying "I am posting the image now," which is believed to be referring to the collage posted on KP George's Facebook showing a lot of hateful comments.
The collage also had comments from Patel's alleged fake "Antonio Sclaywag" account.
Patel also sent George a screenshot of comments from users with the message, "Let me know if you approve, I'll share this post," and George responding with suggested language to add to the post, according to the court documents.
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The warrant showed the alleged message from KP George read, "Also add, this heinous act doesn't represent Fort Bend County we are that most diverse and inclusive county, our diversity is our strength (you are welcome to rephrase it to fit the message)."
A Facebook post from George's account on Sept. 26, 2022 used much of the similar language. Patel is believed to have made the post with George's knowledge and permission, records state.
In another message, Patel texted George in response to a negative social media response about a burn ban the judge signed, stating, "They are just blowing up our social media. I will use fake account to counter them," and George responded, "thank you."
At this time, Patel is still in the race for Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner.
In a statement to FOX 26 on Friday afternoon, Fort Bend County Judge KP George said, "I have fully complied with the search warrant executed, during which my cellular devices and computer were seized. I was informed, by the Texas Rangers and the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, that these items were requested as part of an investigation where I am 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. 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."
Commissioner Andy Meyers gave this statement in response to the recent allegations:
"The recent revelations reported by the Houston media are deeply disturbing. If these allegations are accurate, I call on Judge KP George to immediately resign as County Judge and for Taral Patel to withdraw from the Commissioner’s race. Such divisive and criminal actions have no place in Fort Bend County, the most diverse county in the United States."