NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Fort Bend County, Texas, September 27, 2024: Fort Bend County Judge KP George has been indicted on a misdemeanor charge of misrepresenting identity as a candidate during his 2022 reelection campaign. The indictment comes amidst allegations that George collaborated with a former employee, Taral Patel, to post fake racist attacks against himself on social media to gain sympathy from voters.
George was booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. and was released shortly after on a $1,000 bond. The indictment claims that George knew Patel used a fake Facebook account under the alias “Antonio Scalywag” to post racist messages targeting George and South Asians, including derogatory comments about the Hindu religion. The posts were allegedly intended to portray George as a victim of racism, thereby influencing the electorate.
The allegations against George emerged during an investigation into Patel, who is now running against Andy Meyers for Precinct 3 county commissioner. Patel, who worked as a consultant for George’s reelection campaign, was arrested in June on charges of online impersonation and misrepresentation. Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office investigators found that Patel’s fake social media account also targeted Meyers before Patel announced his own campaign.
According to the warrant, cell phone records showed conversations between Patel and a contact saved as “KP George,” discussing the press release that George later issued condemning the racist attacks. Patel sought approval from George for the press release, which included screenshots of the posts made by “Antonio Scalywag.” Investigators also found that George had responded to Patel’s messages about using the fake account to counter social media criticisms with a “Thank you,” and suggested edits to the press release text.
In a statement released Thursday night, George expressed his disappointment with the charges but maintained his innocence.
“Although I am disappointed by the charges brought against me, I am confident that when all the facts are presented, justice will prevail. In this country, you are innocent until proven guilty, and I fully intend to prove my innocence in court. My focus remains on serving the people of Fort Bend County, as I was elected to do,” George said, rejecting calls for his resignation.
George is set to face legal proceedings, where he will seek to clear his name. Meanwhile, Patel’s charges, which include similar allegations of online impersonation, continue to draw attention as he campaigns against Meyers.