TEXAS CITY, Texas – The La Marque Police Department arrested a Texas City multimedia specialist Tuesday on charges of online impersonation after he allegedly created a fake social media profile of a La Marque council member.
Derek Miller, who works in Texas City, faces criminal charges for allegedly creating and operating a fraudulent Facebook profile using La Marque Council Member Joseph Lowry’s name and photos, according to arrest records obtained by KPRC 2.
The investigation began in April when Lowry discovered the counterfeit Facebook account featuring photos of himself and his wife. Police investigators traced the profile’s IP address to Miller, according to the arrest affidavit.
“I don’t ever recall meeting him. I don’t ever recall having any type of interaction with him or anything on social media,” Lowry told KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel. “It kind of took me by surprise.”
The arrest affidavit states Miller allegedly used city internet resources to create an email address managing the fake profile. Through this account, Miller posted messages praising Texas City employees whom Lowry typically opposes.
One post attributed to the fake account stated: “I’ve always struggled with racism but also because I find intelligent females intimidating.”
“I think it’s pretty gross. I think it’s a very sick tactic,” Lowry said regarding the impersonation.
Lowry said his criticism of how the Texas City Mayor, Dedrick Johnson, operates the city could be reason for why he was targeted.
Lowry has mixed reviews in Galveston County. He is known for his outspoken criticism of elected officials and regularly posts about them on his Facebook page, “Lowry News Network.” Lowry said he received a cease-and-desist letter Monday from the La Marque City Manager. The letter accused Lowry of stalking and harassment - allegations he disputes.
“I’m very outspoken. I say things probably over the top sometimes. I get a lot of people that don’t like that,” Lowry said. “I just started doing it because there’s no voice for citizens, I feel like, it seems like a lot of people don’t want to cover corruption.”
Miller was released from the Galveston County jail on a $10,000 bond. KPRC 2 reached out to Miller for comment but was told by an associate of his that he will not be making statements about his arrest. The charge of online impersonation is classified as a third-degree felony in Texas.
The City of Texas City sent KPRC 2 a statement:
“Like other cities, Texas City does not comment on personnel matter. While we can confirm that an employee has been arrested, we respect the legal process and intent to let it run its course. No City of Texas City equipment was requested or taken as a part of the investigation. The City will not be making any further comments on this matter until the case is resolved.