Houston:
Fort Bend County Judge KP George, a prominent Indian-American-elected officer, was arrested on Friday for two hooliganism charges of money laundering, which stems from allegations of wire fraud and a mission of a campaign report.
Mr. George, a Democrat, who has served as a county judge since 2018 and won again in 2022, was booked in County Jail around 3:30 pm and released after posting $ 20,000 for bail. The allegations carry a maximum period of jail for 10 years.
He has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the prosecution is politically operated.
According to the court record and Fort Bend County District Attorney Office, Mr. George is accused of laundering between $ 30,000 and $ 150,000.
Officials confirmed that the new allegations were unrelated for a separate 2023 prosecution in which Mr. George and former Staff Tarl Patel were accused of creating fake racist attacks against Mr. George’s 2022 campaign, which fraudulently creating a social media account.
“These allegations are unrelated to the pending rape,” the DA office said in a statement. “Our office is committed to integrity which is worthy of our people and all prosecutors are sworn in for morality.” In a statement on Friday, Mr. George denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the prosecutions were conducted politically. “I have full faith in the judicial system and I will strictly defend my innocence,” he said, accusing the DA office of “unfair treatment”.
The District Attorney Office rejected the claim and emphasized that the investigation was done as per legal and moral standards.
The arrest has intensified political pressure on Mr. George.
Bill Recirt, Treasurer at Fort Bend County, publicly called for his resignation, citing concern on “fake racism scams” and now the money laundering charges.
The pre -predecessor 4 constables Trevor Nehals, who challenged Mr. George in 2022, resonated Bhavna, “This prosecution is not surprising. I saw during the campaign how lies and hatred were used to manipulate voters.” Allegations against Mr. George and Mr. Patel have attracted extensive attention, especially in Fort Bend, one of Texas’s fastest growing and most demographically diverse counties.
A political analyst at the University of Houston, Dr. Elena Martinez said, “Such an indictment can seriously eradicate the public trust before a test, especially incorporating alleged financial misconduct.” “Looking at the national profile of Fort Bend, the matter is likely to draw attention beyond the county line.”
Mr. George’s office announced on Thursday – just a day before his arrest – that the annual state of the county, originally scheduled for 8 May, was postponed until next notice. No reason was given at that time.
The District Attorney Office said that investigation is going on.
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