RICHMOND, Texas – Suspended Fort Bend County Judge KP George has learned his punishment Tuesday after a jury found him guilty on two counts of money laundering earlier this year.
A judge sentenced George to six months in the Fort Bend County Jail along with 200 hours of community service. He will also be on probation for five years. He was taken into custody after the sentence was announced.
He will also have to pay a $25,000 appeal bond on each of the two cases. His sentence will not begin until his appeals are exhausted.
George was convicted on March 20 after a trial centered on allegations that he unlawfully moved campaign funds through personal accounts. The charges are third-degree felonies under Texas law.
The sentencing hearing comes months after George was suspended from office following his conviction.
Special prosecutor Brian Wice, who is a part of the prosecution team, recently spoke with KPRC 2 reporter Bill Spencer about the case and why the convictions resulted in money laundering charges.
Wice explained that money laundering charges can apply when funds obtained through unlawful activity are moved or transferred in a way that conceals their origin or nature.
Another aspect of the case that has generated questions is why a judge, rather than the jury that convicted George, will determine his sentence.
Under Texas law, a defendant can elect to have either a jury or a judge assess punishment. In George’s case, the sentencing decision will be made by the judge presiding over the case.
KPRC 2 reached out to George’s defense attorney for comment ahead of the sentencing hearing but did not receive a response.
George has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings and is expected to have the opportunity to appeal his conviction.