KP George appeals decision to keep Fort Bend D.A. Brian Middleton on upcoming criminal trial

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County Judge KP George is attempting to delay his upcoming money laundering trial, this time by appealing the court's decision to keep District Attorney Brian Middleton on the trial.

In February, a district court judge ruled that Middleton could stay on the case, however George's lawyers are now appealing that decision.

George's legal team accused Middleton last year of prosecutorial misconduct and politically motivated retaliation. They contended that messages and recordings show Middleton approving fake social media posts tied to the scandal and expressing personal hostility toward George.

The defense further alleged that Middleton deleted potential evidence and allowed key portions of a proffer interview with a witness to be erased.

PREVIOUS REPORT: New filings accuse Fort Bend County DA of misconduct in case against County Judge KP George

George's attorneys wanted the case dismissed, or at least for Middleton and his office to be disqualified from the trial.

The trial comes after George was defeated in Tuesday's primary election by Daniel Wong. Originally aligned as a Democrat, the incumbent George switched and ran as a Republican in this election before coming in last place in a crowded primary race.

The county judge is set to stand trial on Tuesday on felony money laundering charges.