FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Closing arguments are set to begin Thursday morning in the felony trial of Fort Bend County Judge KP George, bringing jurors closer to deciding the outcome of a case tied to campaign finance allegations.
The proceedings are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, just days after opening statements began in the high-profile trial.
Both the prosecution and defense are expected to make their final case to the jury before deliberations begin.
George is facing two felony money laundering charges connected to how prosecutors say he handled campaign funds during his 2018 election campaign.
Authorities allege George transferred money from his campaign account into his personal account and used the funds for personal expenses.
During the trial, prosecutors presented financial records and witness testimony they say show the transactions were not legitimate campaign reimbursements.
The state argues the money was used for personal benefit and that the transfers violated campaign finance laws.
George’s defense team has maintained that the transactions were legal, saying the money was reimbursement for loans he made to his own campaign.
Attorneys for George told jurors the state has not proven any criminal intent and said the financial activity falls within what is allowed under campaign rules.
Jurors also heard from financial experts as both sides worked to explain complex campaign finance documents over several days of testimony.
Closing arguments will give each side one final opportunity to connect the evidence before the case is handed to the jury.
If convicted of the third-degree felony charges, George could face between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A conviction could also result in his removal from office.
The trial is being closely watched across Fort Bend County, where George has served as county judge since 2019.
Officials expect the jury to begin deliberations after the closing arguments conclude.