A Houston-based law firm is filing a class action lawsuit against a former Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner candidate who has been accused of impersonating people online, including a district court judge.
Back in June, Taral Patel was arrested for creating fake online personas to send fake racist comments, some of which were targeted at himself. One of these alleged personas was infamously known as “Antonio Scalywag.”
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Comments Patel is accused of posting reference hateful rhetoric against Hindus and American immigrants. He released a statement condemning such comments back in September of 2023.
An additional search warrant obtained by KPRC 2 in July also alleged that Patel impersonated Fort Bend County 240th Criminal District Court Judge Surendran Pattel with a different account.
The Hadi Law Firm, who is preparing the lawsuit, is seeking justice against people who were impacted by Patel’s alleged online actions, including those who supported his campaign and now feel ashamed by association.
“If you’ve been affected by the actions of Antonio Scalywag, also known as Taral Vipul Patel, you’re not alone,” a message to victims on the firm’s website reads. “...His actions, such as creating false social media profiles to defraud, intimidate, or threaten others, can cause significant emotional distress, including depression and anxiety.”
According to two search warrants and an arrest warrant, Patel’s online impersonation dates back years.
“If the charges against Patel are true, Patel has not only endangered the democratic process, but he’s also harmed the justice system by scheming to destroy Judge Pattel, who is also a Democrat,” Fort Bend County Republican Party Chairman Bobby Eberle said.