An Indian-origin county judge in Texas has been convicted on two counts of money laundering, marking a major legal setback. KP George, the first Indian-origin judge in Fort Bend County, could face up to 10 years in prison following the verdict.
According to reports, George was found guilty of transferring more than $46,000 in campaign funds into his personal account.
While his legal team argued that the transfers were repayments of personal loans given to the campaign, the jury ruled them as criminal misuse of funds.
Prosecutors alleged that George repeatedly provided misleading information in campaign finance reports and used the money for personal expenses, including car payments and other costs.
The case also involved financial transactions linked to accounts and communications across multiple states.
However, the defence maintained that the case was based on incomplete records and incorrect assumptions. They argued that there was no proof of fraudulent intent and described the prosecution as an instance of “government overreach.”
The defence also pointed out that candidates are legally allowed to loan money to their campaigns and reimburse themselves later.
After the verdict, George was briefly taken into custody and later released on a $20,000 bond. He has also surrendered his passport as part of the bail conditions.
George has opted for the judge to decide his sentence instead of a jury. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, after which he is expected to be removed from office.