What’s happening?
In the writ of habeas corpus motion, attorney Chad Dick claimed the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office indicted George prematurely, saying the Texas Ethics Commission didn’t have the opportunity to rule on the case, according to the motion.
The motion comes after George was indicted Sept. 26 with intent to injure a candidate or influence the outcome of the November 2022 election, Community Impact reported. He turned himself in to the county jail Sept. 26 and was released on bail that same day.
The backstory
George is accused of having knowledge that Taral Patel—the Democratic candidate for Precinct 3 commissioner and George’s former chief of staff—was using a false Facebook account to post “hateful, racist and xenophobic” comments against George and others in September 2022, Community Impact reported.
Misrepresentation of identity is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000, Wesley Wittig, second assistant district attorney for Fort Bend County, said previously.
What else?
Meanwhile, dozens of protestors gathered outside of the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse in Richmond ahead of the Oct. 8 Commissioners Court meeting calling for George to step down.
Notable quote
“Everyone has the right to assemble (gather) peacefully and make their voices heard, just as I have the right to a due process under the legal system which I am fully pursuing,” George said in an Oct. 8 written statement. “My attorney has filed a writ to dismiss the charges. In the meantime, I will continue to serve the people of Fort Bend County.”
Looking ahead
George’s motion will be heard in County Court at Law 5 by Judge Teana Watson on Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m, according to court documents.
