On Monday, March 23, 2026, The American Bazaar reported that Fort Bend County Judge KP George had been convicted of money laundering following a felony trial that lasted more than a week.

A jury found George guilty of a third-degree felony after prosecutors alleged he transferred a total of $46,500 from his campaign account into his personal account. Authorities argued the funds were improperly taken from campaign donors, while defense attorneys maintained the transactions were legitimate reimbursements rather than theft.

The trial was held at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Texas. On March 20, George was taken into custody in handcuffs immediately after the verdict was delivered, according to local reports. He later posted bond and was released the same evening.

George had faced two felony counts, but jurors ultimately convicted him on the third-degree charge, which carries a potential sentence of two to 10 years in prison. They declined to convict him on a separate state felony count that could have resulted in a shorter sentence. George opted to have the presiding judge determine his punishment, with sentencing scheduled for June 16.

According to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, George will remain in his position until sentencing is completed. At that point, he could be removed from office. However, if he files an appeal, he may be allowed to remain in his role during the appeals process, although prosecutors could seek his suspension.

Legal experts noted that removal from office is not automatic upon conviction and may depend on the outcome of any appeals. George’s current term could also expire before the legal process is fully resolved.

The conviction marks the latest legal issue for George. In 2023, he was indicted alongside a former chief of staff over allegations of orchestrating fake racist attacks tied to his reelection campaign through fraudulent social media accounts.

George, who was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, is recognized as the first person of South Asian descent to serve as county judge in Fort Bend County. He immigrated to the United States from Kerala, India, in 1993 and later established a financial planning business before entering public service.

 

 

Source: The American Bazaar