Fort Bend County Judge KP George's Money Laundering Trial Nears Conclusion

Jury expected to begin deliberations on Thursday after defense rests case

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:14am

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The defense rested its case on Wednesday in the felony money-laundering trial of Fort Bend County Judge KP George. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday morning before the 12-member jury begins deliberations. Much of Wednesday's proceedings centered on the continued testimony of Andy Taylor, an election law attorney who argued that the majority of the funds at issue were credit card purchases George made for campaign purposes, not personal spending. Prosecutors have alleged that George moved money between personal and campaign accounts without properly reporting it.

Why it matters

The money-laundering charges have shadowed George's political career for over a year. If convicted, George would not be allowed to complete his term as Fort Bend County Judge. If acquitted, he would serve out his full term, which expires at the end of 2026. The case has played a prominent role in George's recent failed bid for the Republican nomination.

The details

The defense rested its case on Wednesday, setting up closing arguments on Thursday before the jury begins deliberations. Much of Wednesday's testimony focused on election law attorney Andy Taylor, who argued that the majority of the funds at issue were credit card purchases George made for campaign purposes, not personal spending. Prosecutors have alleged that George moved money between personal and campaign accounts without properly reporting it. The judge also allowed prosecutors to present testimony from a translator reviewing a social media video where George discussed repaying himself $70,000 from his 2009 campaign, which prosecutors argued contradicts the defense's theory.

  • The defense rested its case on Wednesday, March 22, 2026.
  • Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday morning, March 23, 2026.
  • The 12-member jury is expected to begin deliberations on Thursday, March 23, 2026.

The players

KP George

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

Andy Taylor

An election law attorney who testified for the defense, arguing that the majority of the funds at issue were credit card purchases George made for campaign purposes.

Betty Chi

The Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office fraud examiner who testified for the prosecution, challenging Taylor's accounting and arguing the credit card expenditures were almost entirely personal.

Maggie Perez-Jaramillo

The 458th District Court Judge presiding over the trial.

Brian Middleton

The Fort Bend County District Attorney who charged George with money laundering.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.