FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – County Judge Daniel Wong, speaking Friday as a candidate for reelection, called on Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen Turner to resign following her federal indictment in a case involving alleged misuse of taxpayer-funded county payroll positions.
Federal authorities announced Thursday that Turner and two other people were indicted in connection with the alleged scheme. Wong said Turner faces charges including conspiracy, theft involving federal program funds and wire fraud. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Turner is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
“The seriousness of these allegations raises substantial concerns about public confidence in her office,” Wong said, while calling for Turner’s immediate resignation. He also urged county employees and residents with credible information about suspected corruption, misuse of public funds or abuse of office to contact federal authorities.
Wong said he intends to provide the FBI with information about other suspected payroll and employment irregularities that he believes warrant investigation. He said the allegations should not overshadow county employees who serve the public responsibly.
Wong also criticized his reelection opponent, Commissioner Dexter McCoy, over his record on Commissioners Court. Wong said McCoy and Commissioner Grady Prestage boycotted meetings for more than two months, and that McCoy later left rather than vote on Wong’s proposed property-tax-rate reduction, which passed with the votes of the remaining members. McCoy has criticized Wong’s leadership, according to Wong’s statement.
Wong cited other criminal cases involving Fort Bend County political figures, including the conviction of former County Judge KP George on money-laundering charges and former commissioner candidate Taral Patel’s guilty plea in a case involving fake racist posts and identity theft.
“Fort Bend County residents deserve transparency, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and elected officials who participate in the decisions they were chosen to make,” Wong said.
People with information can contact the FBI’s Houston office at 713-693-5000 or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. Anonymous reporting options are available.
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