Fort Bend County Judge KP George no shows first meeting since his felony convictions

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County officials are scrambling to review grants after a letter from the governor told them some could be in jeopardy due to the county judge's criminal cases.

After Fort Bend County Judge KP George was convicted on two felony money laundering charges, a seat at the commissioners' court was empty on Thursday. It is not because he resigned, but because he was a no-show.

SEE ALSO: Fort Bend County Judge KP George bonds out of jail after guilty verdict in money laundering trial

Commissioner Vincent Morales called for George to resign on social media. Commissioner Dexter McCoy echoed it.

"Absolutely," McCoy said. "Unequivocally. This has put us in the quite tense predicament where we have someone who is sitting and presiding over the issues about the people who investigated him."

Another predicament ABC13 learned on Thursday was that George's criminal cases may jeopardize grant money. County officials said Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter stating that, because of George's indictment, documents he signed regarding grants could be affected. Something officials say they didn't realize.

"This doesn't happen every day," County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson explained. "We actually probably have more preparation for a hurricane than a situation like this."

Officials said the governor's letter doesn't specify which indictment. George was indicted a year and a half ago for a misdemeanor case involving a fake racism post scheme.

He was convicted last week on a different charge regarding how prosecutors said George stole $46,500 in campaign funds. ABC13 reached out to the governor's office about the letter.

His office sent ABC13 the letter. It said there are 27 active grants that are now on hold.

That's because the governor's office said the county was supposed to immediately notify it in writing if anyone involved in the grant became involved in any litigation. They said that George was the authorized official for the 27 active grants.

Some of the grants fund programs such as victim services, youth outreach, and mental health services. The letter doesn't state how much money is at risk.

To restore the funds, the governor's office said they had to designate another authorized official. On Thursday, officials voted to designate Commissioner Grady Prestage. They also voted to have the auditor review the documents George signed to determine how much money and how many programs may be affected.

"We don't know, but today the actions will help button up any concerns," Smith-Lawson said.

Political experts said George can still preside over future meetings. They said this could change during his sentencing in June.

In the meantime, he can still attend meetings and even collect his nearly $200,000 salary.

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