Latest news with #KPGeorge
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Texas Judge Switches to GOP After Being Charged With Money Laundering
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ford Bend County Judge KP George, who is currently facing charges over alleged money laundering and misrepresentation of identity, has announced his defection from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. Newsweek contacted George, one of his attorneys and both the Texas Democrats and Republican Party of Texas for comment via email or online inquiry form. We are yet to receive a response but this story will be updated if we do. Why It Matters George's defection means the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court in Texas now contains three Republicans and two Democrats, a reversal of the previous situation. Despite their name, Commissioner Courts are legislative and administrative bodies that have influence over a range of subjects in the county including its budget, infrastructure and electoral districts. Speaking to the Houston Chronicle, Fort Bend County Republican Party President Bobby Eberle said he hoped the move would lead to "real change" including "fair and balanced voting maps and correcting the obscenely gerrymandered commissioners' precinct lines forced on the county by the Democrats in 2021." What To Know Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, George said he was joining the Republican Party after concluding "the Democratic Party has embraced a corrupt and radical ideology" with "its positions no longer reflecting the values of Fort Bend County families, small businesses [and] also hardworking residents." By contrast, George said the GOP was the party of "faith, family and freedom" adding: "I chose a side, and it turned out to be the wrong place, and I'm fixing that." He added he plans to stand for reelection in 2026 as a Republican candidate. George has been charged with money laundering between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Prosecutors allege the laundering was campaign finance fraud and took place between January 12, 2019, and April 22, 2019. George took office on January 1, 2019, following a 2018 election. According to Houston Public Media, in April 2025 George denied wrongdoing, accusing the district attorney's office of "weaponizing" its powers against him. Fort Bend County Judge KP George speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, in Richmond, Texas. Fort Bend County Judge KP George speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, in Richmond, Texas. Godofredo A. Vásquez/Houston Chronicle/AP He also said the money that is subject to the investigation was to repay a loan of personal funds to his campaign in what he described as a "standard and lawful practice." Separately in September, 2024, George was indicted on a misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity, following allegations he conspired with his former staffer Taral Patel to target George's own campaign with falsified racist comments on social media during his 2022 reelection campaign, some of which were attributed to real people. George narrowly secured reelection in the 2022 contest, with 51 percent of the vote. Prosecutors claim the racist comments were posted by Patel using fake accounts and that George was aware this was taking place. George has denied any wrongdoing. In April, 2025, as part of a plea deal, Patel admitted he committed misrepresentation in a bid to support George politically What People Are Saying In a statement Republican Commissioner Andy Meyers said: "Regardless of Judge George's party affiliation, I'll continue to collaborate with him and other members of commissioners court for the good of our community." Judge Dexter McCoy, one of the two remaining Democrats on the commissioners court, described George as "morally corrupt." He said: "He has chosen to prioritize his own personal self-interests over the will and well-being of the people who elected him. He has turned his back on the values he claimed to represent, and in so doing, has betrayed the trust of our community." What Happens Next George could face a primary challenge from other Republicans if he goes ahead with his plan of seeking election in 2026 under the party's platform. The legal cases against him are ongoing and it remains to be seen how they will be resolved.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fort Bend County OEM prepares residents for hurricane season
FORT BEND COUNTY - Hurricane season is less than a month away, and the Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OEM) is making sure residents are ready for the uncertain weather. What we know From storm surges to flooding and power outages, Houston and surrounding areas know all too well the damage hurricanes have caused in the past. That's why the Fort Bend OEM hosted the 2025 READY Fort Bend Expo on Saturday to raise awareness about emergency preparedness. "We tell everybody here in the state of Texas and being on the gulf coast, hide from the wind, run from the water," said Greg Babst, the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Fort Bend County Homeland Security Emergency Management. Last year, Hurricane Beryl left about three million people without power in the greater Houston area, according to a survey by the University of Houston. A week later, hundreds of thousands of people remained without electricity. Now, with hurricane season coming up, the Fort Bend County OEM is making sure residents are prepared for inclement weather. "Almost 80% of our citizens are not born in this country, foreign-born, and they are never exposed to hurricanes or these weather events," said Judge KP George, of Fort Bend County. What you can do A 2024 survey by the University of Houston showed the top ways people prepare for hurricanes are by charging phones, stocking up on non-perishable foods, and filling up their tanks with gas. However, the study also reveals that power outages are the biggest concern in post-disaster recovery. Now, the Fort Bend County OEM is urging people to build a three-day emergency kit to ensure residents have supplies whether staying put or evacuating. "Those kits, what we always say, a five-gallon bucket with a lid, waterproof, you know, throw those flashlights in, those battery packs, those important documents, birth certificates, social security cards, insurance papers are good ones to have in there," said Babst. Click here for information on evacuation routes and hurricane preparation from Fort Bend County OEM. Click here for information on hurricane preparation from the Houston OEM. The Source FOX 26 reporter Jade Flury attended the 2025 READY Fort Bend Expo.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fort Bend County Judge KP George charged with money laundering
The Brief Current Fort Bend County Judge KP George has been charged with two counts of money laundering, according to jail records. It's unclear what led up to the recent charges filed against George. George has been in the public spotlight several times in the past year from him being charged with misrepresentation of identity back in September 2024 to possibly switching to the Republican Party. HOUSTON - Current Fort Bend County Judge KP George has been charged with two counts of money laundering, according to the Fort Bend County District Attorney. What we know Fort Bend County Judge KP George with two counts of money laundering, according to the district attorney. Officials said the charges are a felony. Jail records state his charge as money laundering over $30,000 but less than $150,000. According to court documents, the offense occurred between January 12, 2019, and April 22, 2019. Jail records state his bond amount has been set at $10,000 for each count. Punishment range is two to 10 years in prison, if convicted. What we don't know It's unclear why George has been arrested as charging documents have not yet been released. The District Attorney's Office has not yet released any additional information. What they're saying Wesley Wittig with the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office released a statement on Friday saying, "The Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office filed a misdemeanor charge of Misrepresentation of Identity/Candidate against KP George last year, which is pending in County Court at Law No. 5. This came after an investigation into an associate of Mr. George was expanded to implicate George himself. The District Attorney's Office has continuously stated that the investigation was ongoing, and that investigation has now led to two 3rd-degree felony indictments for Money Laundering, which were made public today. These charges are unrelated to the pending misdemeanor and are assigned to the 458th District Court. Our office remains committed to the integrity our public deserves, and the ethics to which all prosecutors are sworn to. And our investigation remains ongoing." The backstory KP George has had several big stories in the public eye over the past year or so. As FOX 26 has reported, George could be changing parties to the Republican Party. George was also indicted on a charge of misrepresentation of identity back in September 2024. It was previously alleged that he allowed his consultant at the time, Taral Patel, to post social media comments impersonating people online to threaten others. George was charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Records accused the county judge of posing as "Antonio Scalywag" in a campaign post on his Facebook page. George released a statement on the matter back in February. However, it's unclear if either of these items are what led up to George being charged on Friday. The other side County Judge KP George issued the following statement on Friday: "As an elected official, I have always operated with integrity and transparency. Let me be absolutely clear—there is nothing illegal about loaning personal funds to my own campaign and later repaying that loan. This is a standard and lawful this is a continued example of Fort Bend County District Attorney's office weaponizing the government with an obvious political witch hunt period. Allegations and accusations are being made without full context or disclosure of the facts—deliberately manipulating the narrative to tarnish my reputation and character.I have full confidence that the truth will prevail, in the meantime, I remain committed to serving and fighting for the people of Fort Bend County with the same passion and dedication as always." This is a breaking news story. We're working to get the very latest. The Source Information above is according to jail records as well as previous FOX 26 reporting.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fort Bend County reports first measles case in its area
The Brief Fort Bend County confirmed a measles case in a woman who traveled internationally. Three cases have been reported in the Houston area. Excluding Fort Bend County and Houston, 400 measles cases have been reported in Texas. FORT BEND COUNTY - Fort Bend County has reported its first case of measles in the area. What we know According to Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, the case was confirmed in a woman between 50-60 years old who recently traveled internationally. What we don't know Health officials tell FOX 26 that the woman's current health condition, where she traveled, and her vaccination status are all under investigation. What they're saying "I want to reassure our community that we are working closely with Health and Human Services to keepeveryone informed," said Fort Bend County Judge KP George in a statement. "Your safety and well-being remain my top priority. I urge all residents to check their immunization records, get vaccinated if necessary and stay vigilant for symptoms. Together, we can protect our families, neighbors and the greater Fort Bend community." The Houston Health Department says it is working to identify Houston residents who may have been exposed to measles in connection to the case in Fort Bend County. What they're saying "Our team is working diligently to notify and provide guidance to those who may have been in contact with the individual," said Dr. David Persse, City of Houston's Chief Medical Officer, in a statement. "Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable with vaccination." "Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and our community," added Dr. Persse. "We strongly encourage anyone who is not fully vaccinated to get their MMR shots as soon as possible." By the numbers As of March 16, three measles cases have been confirmed in the Houston area. All three cases also involved patients who traveled internationally. They were not vaccinated. The latest Houston case was reported in an infant. The child was last reported to be recovering at home. RELATED: Infant measles case confirmed as third in Houston this year, officials say Big picture view On Friday, March 28, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported 400 total cases of measles across the state since late January 2025. Officials say 41 of those patients have been hospitalized. The state's outbreak count does not appear to include the cases from Houston. An outbreak of measles has been reported in Texas' Panhandle and South Plains regions. The only measles-related death in Texas this year was reported in early February. Lubbock and DSHS officials say a school-age child passed after being hospitalized in Lubbock. The child was not from Lubbock. Officials say the child was not vaccinated. RELATED: Texas child becomes first to die of measles in U.S. since 2015 The Source Fort Bend County Health and Human Services and previous FOX 26 reports.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fort Bend County Judge suspected of soon switching political parties
The Brief County Judge KP George recently voted with Republicans to re-draw precinct lines in the county. His vote has observers speculating if the Democrat is considering switching to the Republican Party. A political analyst shares his thoughts on the prospect with FOX 26's Greg Groogan. FORT BEND COUNTY - A critical vote by Fort Bend County Judge KP George has political observers speculating that the controversial Democrat could be pondering a jump to the Republican Party. Fox 26 political reporter Greg Groogan discussed the prospect with Rice Political analyst Mark Jones. What they're saying Groogan: Dr. Jones, a kind of stunning development out in Ft. Bend County, where Democratic County Judge K.P. George actually voted with Republicans to re-draw precinct lines. What do you make of it? Jones: Back when the redistricting occurred in 2021, Republicans were upset with what they viewed as a Democratic Gerrymander where Democrats played around with the precincts to maximize Democratic advantage in Ft. Bend County. This is a move to rectify some of the more egregious aspects of that gerrymandering process, particularly the creation of some very large over-populated districts and some very small underpopulated districts. Groogan: Do you think this has anything to do with KP George's legal problems? We know he is under indictment in connection with that scandal, making a fake persona, making defamatory and racially charged statements on his Facebook page. Jones: I think there are two things going on here. First off, KP George is upset with what he views as overblown charges being brought against him by the Democratic District Attorney in Ft. Bend County. The second factor is a growing split in Ft. Bend County between Indian American Democrats and African American Democrats, with Indian American Democrats feeling they have been increasingly marginalized by the African American majority within the Ft. Bend County Democratic Party. Groogan: Would this send shockwaves throughout the state if KP George actually asked to become a Republican? Jones: KP George views that the Democratic Party has not had his back and is actually working against him. The work for KP George would be smoothing over bad relations with Ft. Bend County Republicans. I think statewide, Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick and Attorney General Paxton would all welcome in KP George with open arms. The Source FOX 26 political reporter Greg Groogan spoke with Mark Jones, a professor with Rice University's Department of Political Science.
