A Red Bluff city councilman arrested over a month ago in Florida is being returned to Tehama County.
Tehama County District Attorney Gregg Cohen said the US Marshal’s Service is transporting Councilman Suren Patel, but gave no estimated arrival date.
Patel faces a series of felony charges, mainly related to a business he operated, an America’s Best Value Inn.
Patel was detained July 23rd. Cohen alleges that instead of turning over hotel taxes to the city, Patel pocketed the proceeds, in excess of $10,000. He has been charged with felony embezzlement of public funds in that case.
Patel is also accused of fraudulently using a hotel guest’s credit card, perjury, workers’ compensation fraud and conspiracy to commit welfare fraud.