FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The felony trial for Fort Bend County Judge KP George started Thursday, with opening statements at the Fort Bend County Courthouse.
George is charged with two counts of money laundering related to how he handled campaign funds. He has denied any wrongdoing. The case has been pending for nearly two years and is expected to last about five to six days.
George did not stop to take questions, instead opting to go inside the courtroom and take his seat as the defendant, flanked by his team of defense attorneys led by Jared Woodfill and Terry Yates.
As the jury of 10 men and two women walked into the courtroom, George made eye contact with the Fort Bend citizens who would ultimately decide his political and personal fate.
After George pleaded “not guilty” two times to the jury, the state then began with opening statements by making it clear, “This case is about $46,500 campaign dollars that the defendant stole,” said lead prosecutor Charann Thompson.
In his opening statement, Woodfill focused on George’s humble beginnings in India and proceeded to take jurors through his ascent to county judge before pivoting.
“This case is about one thing, and one thing only, and that is politics,” said Woodfill.
Prosecutors allege George moved money from his campaign account into his personal account, then used the funds to pay personal property taxes and make a down payment on a home. The charges were filed in April 2025.
Legal analyst Rick DeToto says the case will likely focus more on financial records than witness testimony.
“I think there may be an argument made that he took some money from his campaign account, allegedly, and gave himself a loan, and that’s something the jury is going to have to figure out,” DeToto said.
If convicted of the third-degree felony, George faces between two and 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. He could also be placed on probation.
Before the trial began, George attempted to have the Fort Bend County District Attorney removed from the case, but an appellate court denied that request earlier this week.
This is the first of two trials George is facing. He is also the first sitting county judge to face a criminal trial in Fort Bend County, according to the district attorney’s office.
He is also charged with misdemeanor misrepresentation of identity by a public official in connection with an alleged “fake hate” social media scheme involving a former staffer. That trial is scheduled to begin on May 5.
The twice-elected judge is also the highest-ranking elected official to be tried on criminal charges in the Houston area in over fifteen years, according to legal experts.
The trial, which comes nearly a year after 2 Investigates captured George turning himself into the county jail, is expected to last one week.
If convicted on the felony charges, in accordance with Texas law, George will be required to immediately step down from his office.