Fort Bend County Judge KP George Faces Money Laundering Trial

Prosecutors allege George used campaign funds for personal expenses, including a new home and property taxes.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:23pm

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The money laundering trial of Fort Bend County Judge KP George began this week in Richmond, Texas. Prosecutors allege that George moved tens of thousands of dollars from his campaign accounts and used the money for personal expenses, including buying a home and paying property taxes. George has denied any wrongdoing, arguing the transfers were legitimate reimbursements for personal loans he had made to his campaign. The charges stem from transfers prosecutors say occurred in 2019, after George was first elected as the county's top executive.

Why it matters

The trial of a sitting county judge on felony money laundering charges is a high-profile case that raises questions about the integrity of local government and the proper use of campaign funds. The outcome could have significant political implications for George, who recently lost the Republican primary and is set to leave office at the end of the year if not removed sooner due to a conviction.

The details

Prosecutors allege that when George first ran for county judge in 2018, he solicited donations from supporters but then used the campaign funds for personal expenses rather than for his campaign. An investigator with the Fort Bend District Attorney's Office testified that bank records showed money moving out of George's campaign accounts into his personal finances, with the funds being used to purchase a new home, pay property taxes, and cover homeowners association fees.

  • The money laundering charges against George stem from transfers that prosecutors say occurred in 2019, after he was first elected as Fort Bend County judge.
  • George's trial began on March 10, 2026 in the 458th District Court in Richmond, Texas.

The players

KP George

The Fort Bend County judge who is on trial for felony money laundering charges.

John Bohannon

A fraud investigator with the Fort Bend District Attorney's Office who testified about his investigation into George's finances.

Brian Wice

The special prosecutor for the Fort Bend District Attorney's Office handling the case against George.

Jarrod Woodfill

The attorney representing George in the money laundering trial.

Diane Eckols

A friend of George who had previously agreed to act as his campaign treasurer but testified that she never actually filled out any campaign paperwork on his behalf.

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What they’re saying

“What he told his donors wasn't true,”

— John Bohannon, Fraud investigator

“You're missing a whole lot of information,”

— Jarrod Woodfill, George's attorney

“I didn't fill out any reports,”

— Diane Eckols, George's friend

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue on Friday with additional testimony. If convicted, George could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each of the two felony money laundering charges.

The takeaway

This high-profile case against a sitting county judge highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in how elected officials handle campaign funds. The outcome could have significant political ramifications for George, who is set to leave office at the end of the year regardless, but could potentially be removed sooner if convicted.