Main Photo: Taral Patel (left) [mugshot] and Fort Bend County Judge KP George

New revelations from an investigation into Fort Bend County Judge KP George and his consultant Taral Patel, the Democrat candidate for Commissioner’s Court in Precinct 3, have not only shocked the political landscape but also ignited calls for George’s resignation. 

Commissioner Andy Meyers, a key political figure in the county, has publicly called for KP George to step down if the allegations surrounding the use of fake social media accounts to smear opponents and manipulate the Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court are proven true.

Meanwhile, Taral Patel is facing a felony indictment, further complicating his campaign for Commissioner’s Court Precinct 3 and adding more fuel to the political fire in Fort Bend County.

A Campaign of Deception: Beyond Racist Rhetoric

The “Antonio Scalywag” Facebook account, central to this investigation, initially drew attention for posting racially charged content aimed at discrediting political rivals. Among its targets was Trever Nehls, a Republican candidate who was running for County Judge against KP George in 2022. 

The account’s posts, which mocked and demeaned Nehls and other public officials with inflammatory and derogatory language, were designed to paint Nehls as a racist and create a toxic narrative against him. Then, the account was used to target Andy Meyers, with similarly offensive and divisive content, furthering the account’s role in spreading disinformation and attempting to damage the reputations of political rivals.

However, deeper scrutiny has revealed that the use of these fake accounts went well beyond making racist remarks to undermine political rivals—it was a strategic tool to influence the actions of the Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court itself. Patel, working closely with George, used the fake account to deflect blame from George during controversial moments in the Commissioner’s Court, thereby manipulating the perception of George’s role in the Court’s decisions.

Manipulating the Commissioner’s Court: The Real Target

Text message exchanges between KP George and Taral Patel show that the duo was not merely engaging in online trolling but actively strategizing how to shift public blame for politically sensitive issues.

On June 21, 2022, amid rising backlash over a burn ban in Fort Bend County, Patel messaged George, stating:

“They are just blowing up our social media. I will use fake account to counter them.”

George’s simple response, “Thank you,” underscores his approval of Patel’s tactics.

Patel then took it a step further, suggesting, “Someone [should] post something… use language like Commissioner Court unanimously… so the pressure goes to them too, not just you… never mind I got it.” He didn’t just execute the plan; he used the fake account, “Antonio Scalywag,” to post comments shifting the blame from George to other members of the Commissioner’s Court. By implicating the entire Court, rather than just George, they effectively diluted any criticism against the County Judge and spread it across the entire governing body.

This manipulation allowed George to shield himself from the political heat and maintain public trust while deflecting accountability onto his colleagues. These posts created a false public narrative, skewing how county residents viewed the Commissioner’s Court’s actions. This manipulation of public discourse wasn’t just a dirty campaign trick—it was a subversion of democracy itself.

The Racist Fake Accounts Were Part of a Larger Scheme

While the investigation initially focused on the racist and xenophobic rhetoric posted by the “Antonio Scalywag” account, it has become clear that Patel and George’s tactics were much more sophisticated. The September 2022 exchanges show Patel coordinating with George on the tone and content of posts, even requesting George’s approval before making them public. 

On September 26, 2022, Patel sent George a screenshot of a post from “Antonio Scalywag” attacking political opponents, asking, “Let me know if you approve, I’ll share this post.” George responded by suggesting they frame it as an act that “doesn’t represent Fort Bend County” while highlighting the county’s diversity.

This careful orchestration of social media activity demonstrates how Patel and George were not just reckless political operatives but were engaging in a calculated campaign to control narratives across multiple fronts—from portraying rivals like Trever Nehls as racists to manipulating how the public viewed the workings of Fort Bend County government.

Commissioner Andy Meyers Calls for George to Step Down

With mounting evidence of this political manipulation, Commissioner Andy Meyers of Precinct 3 has been one of the first to demand KP George’s resignation. Meyers, who was also targeted by the fake “Antonio Scalywag” account, is outraged by the scheme. He emphasized that such behavior is unbecoming of an elected official and undermines public trust in the county government.

Meyers issued a public statement:

“If these allegations are true, KP George must step down. This is not only an attack on the political process, but on the integrity of the entire Fort Bend County government. Our residents deserve leaders who respect the truth, not individuals who manipulate the system for personal and political gain.”

Will Other Commissioners Follow Suit?

The real question now is whether Meyers will be joined by his fellow Commissioners in calling for KP George’s resignation. Commissioners Vincent Morales (Precinct 1), Grady Prestage (Precinct 2), and Dexter L. McCoy (Precinct 4) have yet to weigh in publicly on the matter.

• Vincent Morales has long positioned himself as a proponent of transparency and accountability in government. Given his strong stance on ethics in office, it’s possible that he may join the call for KP George to step down if the allegations are substantiated.
• Grady Prestage has served on the court for over two decades, and while he tends to avoid controversy, he could be pressured into taking a stance on this issue if public outrage continues to grow.
• Dexter L. McCoy, the newest member of the court, may feel particularly compelled to take a public position as this scandal unfolds, especially since his career is still in its early stages, and voters will be looking closely at how he handles this controversy.

If these commissioners join Meyers in demanding George’s resignation, it could dramatically alter the political landscape of Fort Bend County.

The Stakes for Fort Bend County

The stakes couldn’t be higher. The investigation into KP George and Taral Patel threatens not just the reputations of those directly involved but also the entire Commissioner’s Court. As public trust erodes, more officials may find themselves pressured to distance themselves from George or risk being implicated in the scandal by association. If the allegations prove true, the court will have to act swiftly to restore confidence in county leadership.

As the investigation progresses and more information comes to light, the future of KP George’s tenure as County Judge hangs in the balance. Andy Meyers has made his position clear, but will the rest of the Commissioner’s Court follow suit?