Beaumont Treasurer charged with felony tax fraud and identity theft

Anup Patel, the elected City Treasurer of Beaumont, California, has been charged with multiple felonies following a public corruption investigation. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office announced that Patel faces charges including perjury, identity theft, forgery, and false impersonation.

Prosecutors allege that Patel submitted fraudulent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) statements for a motel he operates, claiming he received $0 in gross rent between April 2020 and December 2023. However, a city audit conducted in January 2025 revealed the motel actually collected approximately $1.66 million in gross rent during that period, leaving Patel owing the city $166,730.07 in taxes plus penalties.

Additionally, the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit alleges that Patel stole another individual’s identity to create a fraudulent lease agreement and communicate with the city regarding his tax obligations. Patel, who was elected treasurer in 2022, remains in his position while awaiting arraignment. He is currently out on a $30,000 bond.