Fort Bend County Judge KP George goes after DA in seeking dismissal of criminal charges | Houston Public Media
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The Charges and the Context
Middleton, 42, is accused of multiple counts of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon without a license. Prosecutors say that the alleged offenses began on September 12, when Middleton allegedly fired a handgun at a neighbor’s property during a heated dispute over parking space. According to the police report, the suspect fled the scene before officers could detain him, but a witness captured the incident on a security camera. The footage was subsequently subpoenaed by the District Attorney’s Office and is now part of the official case file, which can be accessed through the county’s online docket system (link: https://www.fortbendcounty.gov/attorney/docket).
The article outlines how the initial incident escalated over the following weeks. Middleton allegedly used a shotgun on at least two occasions to threaten a former business partner who had sued him for breach of contract. Additionally, he allegedly used a knife to intimidate a group of teenagers in a parking lot on October 22, an event that drew the attention of the local fire department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution says that evidence from the crime scenes—including bullet casings, photographs of the shotgun, and a recovered knife—confirms Middleton’s possession of illegal firearms and a pattern of violent conduct.
Legal Background and Potential Penalties
The Fort Bend County Criminal Code outlines that aggravated assault carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, plus up to ten years for each subsequent count. Possession of a firearm without a license carries up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. In addition, if the court finds that the defendant was armed during the assaults, the penalties can be increased by an additional two years per count.
The article also includes an interview with the District Attorney, who emphasized that the decision to pursue these charges came after a thorough review of the evidence. “We are not only prosecuting the criminal acts, but also sending a clear message that violence and weapon possession will not be tolerated in our community,” the attorney told reporters.
Middleton’s Response and Community Reaction
According to the article, Middleton issued a brief statement through his attorney, claiming that the charges are “unfounded and politically motivated.” He has denied any knowledge of firearms and says that the alleged incidents were staged by disgruntled former employees. The statement also called for a “fair and transparent legal process.” The article notes that Middleton’s defense team is already preparing a pre-trial motion to dismiss the charges, citing alleged procedural errors in the collection of evidence.
The local community’s reaction has been divided. On one hand, residents of the affected neighborhoods have expressed relief that the authorities are taking action. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It’s good to see that the law is stepping in; we can’t live in fear.” On the other hand, some residents of Middleton’s business circle have expressed concern that the charges could damage his company’s reputation. An associate in the legal services sector commented, “If Middleton is found guilty, the ripple effect on local businesses will be substantial.”
Additional Resources
The article provides several links for readers who wish to delve deeper into the case. A link to the Fort Bend County’s public docket allows anyone to view the official filings and court dates. A second link directs readers to the Houston Police Department’s crime statistics page, giving broader context on violent crime trends in the region. Finally, the article cites a recent study on the impact of gun violence in suburban communities, which can be accessed through the university research portal.
Looking Forward
The next scheduled hearing is set for January 10, 2026, when Middleton’s case will be presented before a judge in the County Court. The article concludes by urging readers to stay informed about local news and to attend the public court session, noting that it will be livestreamed on the county’s official website. The story serves as a reminder of how quickly a neighborhood can become the center of a high‑stakes criminal investigation, and it underscores the importance of community vigilance and transparent legal proceedings in safeguarding public safety.
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