RICHMOND, Texas (Diya TV) — A jury has convicted Indian American Judge KP George of stealing from campaign donors and falsifying financial records, marking a major fall for a public official who once made history in Fort Bend County. The verdict came after a week-long trial in Richmond, the county seat.
Prosecutors said George illegally used campaign money for personal expenses and then altered official documents to hide the transactions. The jury found him guilty on two third-degree felony counts. He now faces a possible prison sentence and removal from office.
The 12-member jury reached its verdict just before 2 p.m. Friday. Jurors had spent about eight hours deliberating after closing arguments ended Thursday afternoon. After the verdict, officers placed George in handcuffs and took him into custody. Maggie Jaramillo set George’s bond at $20,000. His attorneys said he expected to post bond quickly and would prepare for the sentencing phase of the case, scheduled for June 16. George cannot appeal the conviction until after a judge issues a final sentence.
Prosecutors told jurors that George transferred more than $46,000 from campaign accounts into his personal bank account. They said he used the money for personal costs, including a home down payment and car payments. Investigators also said George submitted campaign finance reports that contained false information. Authorities argued he altered those records to make the transfers appear legal.
The jury rejected the defense’s claim that George simply repaid himself for loans he made to his campaign. His attorneys said that the practice is legal and common in political campaigns. Assistant District Attorney Wes Wittig said the verdict showed the justice system worked as it should. He said the case will only be complete once the court issues a final judgment.
“At that point, there will be language in the judgment ordering the removal of Mr. George from office,” Wittig said.
George chose to have Judge Jaramillo decide his punishment instead of a jury. Under Texas law, he could receive probation or up to 10 years in prison, along with a $10,000 fine. State law also requires the automatic removal of a county official who is convicted of certain felonies, even if that official files an appeal. The county attorney is expected to advise the commissioners’ court on how to appoint an interim judge until voters choose a replacement in the November election.
The conviction could create challenges for the county government. The commissioners’ court has four members. A tied vote could prevent the court from taking action on important issues.
George’s conviction comes during a heated election year in Texas. He switched political parties last year and ran in the Republican primary earlier this month. He finished last in that race. Brian Middleton led the prosecution team. George’s lawyers had tried to remove Middleton from the case, arguing the charges were politically motivated. Prosecutors denied that claim throughout the trial.
After the verdict, Wittig said the case was never about politics. He said the prosecution focused only on evidence and campaign finance records. Defense attorney Jared Woodfill said he was surprised by the verdict. He said he believed the defense had created reasonable doubt during the trial. Still, he said the legal team respects the jury’s decision and will prepare for the next stage of the case.
George still faces a separate misdemeanor charge related to alleged identity misrepresentation. Prosecutors have accused him of working with a former staff member to create fake social media accounts to influence voters. That trial is scheduled for May, although prosecutors have suggested those charges could be dropped.
The case has drawn national attention because George once became the first Indian-origin county judge in Fort Bend County. His conviction now marks a dramatic fall from that historic achievement. The sentencing hearing on June 16 will determine whether George receives probation or a prison term.
