A man who was jailed for six weeks after reportedly attempting to abduct a toddler from a mother at a Walmart in Georgia has been released on bond following the emergence of new surveillance video.
Mahendra Patel, 57, was apprehended and faced charges of attempted kidnapping, battery, and assault after the March 18 event where 26-year-old Caroline Miller alleged that he attempted to abduct her two-year-old son.
Miller informed WSB-TV Atlanta that she was riding a motorized scooter with her two kids at the Acworth superstore when Patel came up to her and requested assistance in locating Tylenol. That’s when he took her son and they were “tugging of war” over the boy, she stated.
However, Patel’s lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, contended during a bond hearing this week that surveillance videos her firm obtained through subpoena from Walmart contradict Miller’s narrative of the event and actually demonstrates her client’s innocence.
Merchant provided a revised compilation of the video that she claimed demonstrates Patel attempting to assist both the child and the mother, as she was on the scooter. Merchant remarked that Miller does not have a physical disability.
The video reveals that after leaning in to grab the child, Patel “quickly steps back” and places his hands in his pockets as Miller leans away.
“The video was as clear as it could be,” she stated to the judge. “Mr. Patel didn’t attempt to abduct this child.”
Prosecutors contended that Patel had escaped from the store, but his lawyer asserted that her client kept shopping and engaged with other Walmart staff, including one who described him as a “friendly older gentleman” prior to purchasing the Tylenol and exiting the store.
Merchant further contended that Patel posed no risk of flight and had solid connections to the community. She mentioned that more than 250 individuals, comprising family and neighbors, had gathered at the courthouse that day to advocate for his release.
After considering the arguments and watching the footage, Cobb County Superior Court Judge A. Gregory approved Poole’s release on a $10,000 bond.
“I will provide this man with a bond.” “The judge informed Patel that he is entitled to a bond.” “I’m not concerned about that.” I do not think he presents a danger to the community. The information presented in the video, and I won’t express my views on what I believe the video truly demonstrates regarding guilt or innocence. Today, it isn’t my responsibility. However, the evidence indicates that he stayed close by, and I do not consider him a flight risk based on what I observed in the video.
Patel, who celebrated his birthday in Cobb County Jail, was set free later that day. Upon leaving the jail, he expressed to reporters: “I’m incredibly relieved to be free.”
“I can’t even imagine someone claiming that I did this,” he said. “It was a surprise.”
Patel’s family members and supporters were seen outside the courthouse embracing one another after the announcement of his release. His daughter, who was present throughout the hearing, told reporters that the ordeal had taken a toll on the entire family but they were thankful justice was starting to prevail.
“We were shocked when we first heard the accusation,” she said. “Anyone who knows my father knows he is a kind man who would never harm anyone, especially a child.”
During the hearing, Merchant also submitted character witness statements from community members, coworkers, and neighbors who attested to Patel’s nonviolent nature and longstanding presence in the area. Patel, a local pharmacist, has lived in the Acworth area for over two decades and has no prior criminal history.
One statement came from a Walmart employee who said Patel often shops there and has never caused any problems. Another neighbor described him as someone who regularly helps others in the community, especially the elderly.
The case initially drew widespread attention after the mother’s account circulated online and local media picked up the story. The nature of the alleged incident alarmed many, prompting increased scrutiny over child safety in public places.
However, as surveillance footage emerged and was analyzed, it began casting doubt on the narrative initially presented. The video appeared to show a brief interaction between Patel and the child, followed by an immediate withdrawal and no further contact.
Legal analysts have pointed out that surveillance video often becomes the key determinant in public space disputes. In this case, it played a pivotal role in challenging the claims of attempted abduction.
While the criminal case is still active, the release of Patel on bond suggests a significant shift in how the prosecution may move forward. The Cobb County District Attorney’s Office has not yet released a statement regarding whether they intend to pursue or drop the charges.
Patel’s attorney noted that they would now seek a full dismissal of all charges and work to clear her client’s name.
“Mr. Patel has suffered reputational damage, emotional distress, and has been unjustly imprisoned,” Merchant said. “Our next goal is to see these charges thrown out completely.”
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussions around the dangers of rushing to judgment and the role social media plays in shaping public opinion before all facts are known. Several online forums and commentators had previously condemned Patel based solely on the initial accusation.
Patel stated that he wants to return to his normal life and continue serving his community. “I just want to move forward and put this behind me,” he said.
As the legal process continues, both the defense and prosecution are expected to return to court in the coming weeks. Further hearings will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or is dismissed altogether based on the evidence now available.