Taral Patel, a 30-year-old Indian-American running for Fort Bend County commissioner, was arrested by Texas Rangers for alleged online impersonation and false representation of identity, both violations under the Texas Election Code. Patel drew attention to derogatory comments targeted at him on Facebook, including accusations of terrorism, communism and derogatory comments about Hinduism.

Patel, a Democrat and candidate for Precinct 3 commissioner, is facing legal trouble as he has been charged with multiple charges, including a third-degree felony for impersonating online and a Class A misdemeanor for misrepresentation of identity, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Currently, Patel is being held on a $20,000 bond on the felony charge and a $2,500 bond on the misdemeanor charge. If bail is not posted, Patel is scheduled to appear before a magistrate on Thursday morning.

In September last year, Patel drew attention to derogatory comments aimed at her on Facebook, accusing her of terrorism, communism and making derogatory comments about Hinduism. According to the Houston Chronicle, a spokesperson for current Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, a Republican, responded to these comments, questioning their authenticity and pointing to difficulties in verifying the identities of those who left comments.

However, Patel did not name his rival commissioner Andy Meyers, according to PTI.

The post also included a photo of Meyers standing next to a cutout of former US President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump from a previous campaign event.

Known for his diverse political experience, Patel served as the youngest Chief of Staff at the Fort Bend County Judge’s Office under Judge K.P. George, another prominent figure in the Indian-American community.

He has also served in strategic roles in various political campaigns, including the campaigns of Mayor Bill White, Senator Rodney Ellis, and Wendy Davis.

Born to Indian immigrants and raised in Houston, Patel was educated at local schools and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, PTI reported.