Wheeling Man Charged Over Campaign Mailings That Targeted 2024 Muncipal Election Candidates

WHEELING — A Wheeling man has been charged on 22 misdemeanor counts in connection with illegal campaign mailers sent to residents prior to the last Wheeling municipal election.

Anand Patel, 41, has been charged with nine counts of publishing or circulating an anonymous item supporting or aiding defeat of an election candidate, nine counts of failing to report independent expenditures aggregating $5,000 or more or $500 county race, and two counts each of failing to include public notice for communication by independent expenditure and making a false statement in regard to a candidate.

Patel pleaded not guilty to all charges in an appearance in Ohio County Magistrate Court on Thursday.

He posted a $34,500 personal recognizance bond. His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 7 before Ohio County Magistrate Kevin Stryker.



https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2025/06/wheeling-man-charged-over-campaign-mailings-that-targeted-2024-muncipal-election-candidates/