FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS — Fort Bend County Republican Party Chairman Greg Barnes is calling for answers following the arrests of two prominent local Democrats on the same day, amid a series of criminal cases involving current and former county officials and Democratic candidates.

On Thursday, Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen Turner was arrested following a federal indictment alleging conspiracy, theft concerning federal program funds, and wire fraud. Federal prosecutors allege that Turner orchestrated a scheme using county payroll funds to compensate individuals for work they did not perform, including personal caregiving services and employment arrangements involving another full-time job.

Also Thursday, Fort Bend County Chief Deputy District Clerk Haroon Mughal was arrested on charges of assault causing bodily injury involving family violence and interference with an emergency request for assistance, according to court documents reported by FOX 26 Houston. Mughal previously sought the Democratic nomination for Fort Bend County Commissioner, Precinct 4. His arrest is unrelated to Turner’s federal case.

The arrests follow other criminal proceedings involving individuals associated with Fort Bend County government, including:

• Former County Judge KP George, convicted in March 2026 on two felony money laundering counts.
• Former county employee and Democratic commissioner candidate Taral Patel, who pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor offenses after previously facing felony online impersonation charges.
• Former Precinct 3 deputy constable and Democratic county treasurer candidate Eric Lister, indicted on felony theft and tampering charges in September.

“How wide does corruption in Fort Bend County government go?” asked Greg Barnes, Chairman of the Fort Bend County Republican Party. “Two prominent Democrats arrested on the same day. Multiple criminal cases involving individuals who have held public office, worked in county government, or sought elected office. The people of Fort Bend County deserve a full accounting of what happened, who knew about it, and whether the safeguards meant to protect the public were functioning.”

Barnes said the latest developments warrant close scrutiny of county financial controls, personnel oversight, and the handling of complaints and allegations of misconduct.

“These cases involve different allegations and different individuals, but they raise important questions about public trust,” Barnes continued. “No one should be above scrutiny because of a title, a position, or political connections. The public deserves transparency, meaningful oversight, and accountability wherever wrongdoing is proven.”

The Fort Bend County Republican Party calls for thorough investigations, preservation of relevant records, review of applicable internal controls, and appropriate public disclosure of findings.

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