Houston public official accused of misusing millions in public funds

HOUSTON – For the second time in less than 30 days, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is announcing public corruption charges against a public official whose job was to look out for Houstonians.

• RELATED: ‘That’s classic public corruption’: Felony charges filed after ‘DRAINED’ Investigation into shady contracts

A grand jury has indicted Todd Edwards, a former Real Estate Manager with the Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) for “Abuse of Official Capacity,” according to a charming complaint. Two vendors, along with Edwards, were also arrested.

The investigation appears to have come into the clear last fall, according to one of the complainants KPRC 2 Investigates spoke with after the City of Houston’s Office of Inspector General found Edwards “used his position” to benefit himself through companies he had interests in, according to the City of Houston records.

• RELATED: Former Houston water department manager now in custody after felony charges in shady waterline repair contracts

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office said $8 to 10 million in public funds were diverted or misused by an MRA official and vendors.

Kim Ogg is set to speak about the arrest on Friday afternoon.