Fort Bend County officials have named Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage as the presiding officer “in anticipation of the finalization of the conviction of the county judge,” according to statements at a March 26 Commissioners Court meeting.
What residents need to know
Commissioners said Prestage will step into the role in the event that sitting County Judge KP George is “suspended or removed ... and/or ineligibility to serve” based on his felony conviction March 20. The commissioners also named Prestage the signatory on behalf of the county in the circumstances when documents need to be signed by the county judge.
The action comes after George was convicted on two third-degree felony money laundering charges—totaling $46,500—tied to campaign funds.
Also of note
Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers said the county received formal notification from the Office of the Governor that the county judge is no longer eligible to be the authorized official for any of the grants due to previous indictments.
Following this notification, commissioners directed the county auditor to “investigate, identify, research and provide the commissioners court any exposures or risks that said events surrounding the county judge have exposed or potentially exposed to the county.”
Looking ahead
Prestage will serve in this capacity until a “qualified successor is duly appointed or elected,” commissioners said at the meeting.
George’s term is set to expire following the November election, when Republican Daniel Wong and the winner of the May 26 Democratic runoff between Dexter L. McCoy and Rachelle Carter will face off.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, said Wesley Wittig, Fort Bend County second assistant district attorney. 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, he said.
