BY VEENA RAO

Acworth, GA, October 1, 2025: Mahendra “Mick” Patel, a Kennesaw resident, has filed a proper ante litem discover by way of his authorized counsel The Service provider Regulation Agency, in search of $25 million in damages from the Metropolis of Acworth. The discover says Patel was falsely arrested, wrongfully jailed for 46 days, and maliciously prosecuted after being accused of making an attempt to kidnap a baby at a Walmart retailer in March 2025 — costs that had been later dropped.

In response to the discover, Patel went to the Walmart Supercenter on Cobb Parkway on March 18, 2025 to purchase Tylenol for his aged mom. There, he briefly interacted with a lady, Caroline Miller, who was using a motorized cart together with her two youngsters. Patel says he thought she was disabled and tried to assist her regular a baby she was holding. He insists the contact was transient and innocent.

Miller, nevertheless, later informed police that Patel tried to “snatch her child.” The incident led to a kidnapping cost by the Acworth Police Division (APD). Patel was arrested on March 21 by a Cobb County officer primarily based on a warrant obtained with what his legal professional calls false or deceptive data from an APD detective.

Patel’s letter states that police ignored Walmart surveillance footage, which confirmed the 2 parting methods calmly and with none signal of misery. He says the footage was withheld from the grand jury, which indicted him on tried kidnapping, assault, and battery.

He remained behind bars for greater than six weeks, unable to safe bond. The fees had been dismissed on August 6, 2025, after prosecutors filed a nolle prosequi, that means they selected to not pursue the case.

Within the 12-page discover despatched to Acworth officers, Patel particulars harsh situations within the Cobb County Detention Middle, the place he says he was threatened by inmates, denied vegetarian meals, and misplaced 17 kilos.
He describes filthy dwelling situations, lack of medical care, and racial taunts.
Patel says the expertise has left him with PTSD, anxiousness, and nightmares.

The discover alleges that the Metropolis of Acworth and its police division acted negligently, defamed him publicly, and violated his constitutional rights. His legal professional argues that the town did not correctly practice and supervise its officers, resulting in Patel’s false arrest and imprisonment.

Metropolis of Acworth Denies All Legal responsibility

In a response letter dated September 19, the town’s legal professional, Douglas R. Haynie, stated that after a “thorough and full investigation,” the Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted to disclaim the declare.
Town “denies any and all legal responsibility” associated to the matter.

Town additionally reserved the correct to problem whether or not Patel’s discover met all authorized and procedural necessities underneath Georgia legislation.

What Occurs Subsequent

An ante litem discover is a required step earlier than suing a metropolis in Georgia. It provides the town an opportunity to evaluate and resolve claims earlier than a lawsuit is filed. With Acworth’s denial, Patel’s legal professional is anticipated to pursue a civil lawsuit in court docket.

Patel’s case drew nationwide consideration earlier this yr when video footage emerged contradicting the preliminary kidnapping allegation. His legal professional, Ashleigh Service provider, maintains that Patel was an harmless man “making an attempt to assist a stranger,” and that his life and status had been destroyed by a rush to judgment.