Fort Bend County will discuss the future of the county judge position following the felony conviction of sitting County Judge KP George.
What’s happening?
George was convicted March 20 on two third-degree felony money laundering charges—totaling $46,500—tied to campaign funds, said Wesley Wittig, Fort Bend County second assistant district attorney.
Wittig told Community Impact that George was convicted on both counts “as indicted” and is being held on a $20,000 bond—$10,000 for each charge. Each money laundering charge is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
What it means
Wittig said George would not be removed from office immediately. He said removal language would be included in the judgment once sentencing is complete. However, if George appeals, that could pause the removal and allow the court to consider suspending him from office while the appeal is pending.
“The law says removal immediately upon conviction, and yes, he was convicted today, but the trial is not complete until sentencing is complete,” Wittig said. “The removal language will be included in the judgment if he files an appeal that will supersede the removal, and so then we can ask the judge to enter an order suspending him from office while his appeal is pending.”
Wittig said the appointment of an interim county judge would likely fall to commissioners, but said that question is outside the district attorney’s office and could depend on whether George is ultimately removed or suspended.
Fort Bend County officials are scheduled to meet March 26 to discuss the steps for the future leadership of the county at a regularly scheduled commissioners court meeting, said Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy in a March 20 news release.
Commissioners did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
The background
George was indicted last March for money laundering, where prosecutors claim he tampered with campaign finance reports for personal financial use between January and April of 2019, according to court records.
He was also indicted in the fall of 2024 on charges of misrepresenting his identity with intent to injure a candidate or influence the November 2022 election. That case is scheduled for court in May.
Wittig said prosecutors have not decided whether to proceed or push the misdemeanor trial back until after the felony case is finished.
Looking ahead
George’s term is set to expire following the November 2026 election, when Republican Daniel Wong and the winner of the May 26 Democratic runoff between McCoy and Rachelle Carter will face off.
George received 8.43% of the Republican vote—the least of all candidates—in the March primaries.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, Wittig said. He said the case was set out because the court must complete a presentence investigation report before sentencing, adding that probation remains an option alongside prison time.
