Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen P. Turner indicted

Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen P. Turner was indicted Oct. 22 on federal charges following at least two years of investigation, Bobby Eberle, the director of communications for the county judge, said at an Oct. 22 county press conference. 

What happened? 

Turner and two people in her office were arrested Oct. 22 for using county money to hire two employees to care for Turner’s mother, U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz said at a press conference. The trio was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, theft concerning federal money and wire fraud.

Reitz said he suspects Turner used tens or hundreds of thousands of county dollars, but the exact amount will become clearer as the case unfolds. However, Eberle said it is important to note that Turner has not been convicted and remains in charge of the office.

Turner assumed her elected position in 2021, leading the Tax Assessor-Collector office, which collects property taxes. Her term is currently set to end in 2028, according to Ballotpedia. 

What they’re saying

Eberle described the situation as a “cloud of corruption,” citing other recent indictments in the county’s Democratic Party. However, interim County Judge Daniel Wong said this is not a partisan issue.

“The allegation involving the misuse of taxpayer funds deserves a thorough and independent investigation,” Wong said. “We must allow the federal authority and the judicial process to do their work.” 

During an Oct. 22 commissioners court meeting, Commissioner Dexter McCoy said there is no room for corruption anywhere in Fort Bend County. 

Community Impact reached out to Turner’s office but did not receive a response by press time. 

Stay tuned

Community Impact will update this article as more information is available.