Fort Bend County Judge KP George Arrested on Money Laundering Charges

Alleged Financial Misconduct

According to court records and a statement from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, KP George is accused of laundering between $30,000 and $150,000. The DA’s office emphasized that these new charges are unrelated to a separate 2023 indictment involving George and his former chief of staff Taral Patel, who were previously accused of fabricating fake racist threats during the 2022 campaign through fraudulent social media activity.

“These charges are unrelated to the pending misdemeanor,” the DA’s office confirmed. “Our office remains committed to the integrity our public deserves and the ethics to which all prosecutors are sworn.”

George Denies Charges, Claims Political Targeting

In a public statement, Judge George denied all wrongdoing and accused the District Attorney’s office of politically motivated prosecution. “I have full faith in the judicial system and will vigorously defend my innocence,” George stated, while also accusing the DA’s office of “improper treatment.”

The District Attorney’s Office rejected the claims of political bias and reiterated that the investigation followed proper legal procedures.

Rising Political Pressure

The arrest has intensified calls for George’s resignation. Fort Bend County Treasurer Bill Rickert publicly demanded that George step down, referencing both the 2023 fake racism scandal and the current felony charges as justification.

Trever Nehls, a former Precinct 4 Constable and George’s opponent in the 2022 election, echoed the sentiment, saying, “This indictment is not surprising. I saw during the campaign how lies and hate were used to manipulate voters.”

Impact on Public Trust and Local Politics

Political analysts say the indictment could damage public confidence in county leadership. Dr. Elena Martinez, a political science professor at the University of Houston, commented:
“An indictment like this, especially involving alleged financial misconduct, can severely erode public trust even before a trial. Given Fort Bend’s national profile, this case is likely to draw attention well beyond the county line.”

State of the County Address Postponed

Just one day before the arrest, KP George’s office quietly announced that the State of the County address—originally scheduled for May 8—had been postponed indefinitely. No reason was provided at the time, raising questions in light of the subsequent arrest.

Investigation Still Ongoing

The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office stated that the investigation is still active. More details are expected as legal proceedings continue. For now, the political and legal futures of both KP George and his administration hang in the balance.