FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Deliberations in the felony trial of Fort Bend County Judge KP George have ended for the day as the jurors have broken for the night.
Closing arguments began Thursday morning in the trial of Fort Bend County Judge KP George, bringing jurors closer to deciding the outcome of a case tied to campaign finance allegations.
Both the prosecution and defense made their final case to the jury before deliberations begin.
Closing Arguments
Closing arguments started Thursday with the state accusing George of taking money from his donors via fundraisers to purchase a home. He was accused of already signing the contract for the house before the fundraisers.
“How exhausted must this man be covering up his lies?” Prosecutor Katie Peterson asked during closing arguments.
The defense started their closing arguments at 12:47 p.m. They began by thanking the court and the jury.
“You are the most important people in the court room, not the experts, not the lawyers,” Defense Attorney Terry Yates said to jurors.
The defense claimed the state attacked George and then found the charge against him.
“They targeted him,” Yates said to jurors.
Defense Attorney Jared Woodfill echoed Yates’ statements and alleged politics are driving the case.
In the prosecutions rebuttal, Prosecutor Charann Thompson argued George clearly knew he was committing a crime.
“This is not a mistake. This is not inadvertence. This is a cover up,” Thompson said.
Thompson also argued there is no evidence of political motivation in the case.
Case background
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 argued the money was used for personal benefit and that the transfers violated campaign finance laws.
George’s defense team 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.
If George is convicted of the third-degree felony charges, he 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.