BREAKING: FORT BEND COUNTY, TX—Recent court documents surfaced exposing the troubling history of one candidate for Fort Bend County tax assessor-collector, Carmen P. Turner. The revelation raises serious concerns about her candidacy.
Eight years ago, Turner was indicted for federal bankruptcy fraud, alongside a co-defendant, for allegedly manipulating the bankruptcy system.
According to a June 2016 indictment, a federal grand jury charged Turner, then 55 and living in Missouri City, with filing multiple bankruptcy cases in a scheme to avoid foreclosure on her home. Turner and co-defendant Leslie Nicole Breaux, 40, of Sugar Land, reportedly engaged in a pattern of filing bankruptcy cases each time they received a foreclosure notice, allowing them to obtain an “automatic stay” that halted creditor actions.
The indictment detailed a troubling cycle: after filing for bankruptcy, Turner and Breaux allegedly failed to submit required documents or payment plans to the court. Without any further action within 45 days, their cases were dismissed, only for the process to repeat itself when new foreclosure notices arrived. They reportedly did not make payments to creditors and failed to disclose previous bankruptcy filings, committing perjury by providing false information on court documents.
Each was charged with bankruptcy fraud and making false declarations under penalty of perjury, facing up to five years in federal prison and fines up to $25,000 if convicted. The indictments were part of a broader federal investigation, with a total of seven individuals implicated in similar fraudulent schemes.
As a candidate for Fort Bend County tax assessor-collector, Turner would hold a significant position calculating the county’s property tax rates, collecting property taxes and collecting various other fees for the county.
Given her past actions, voters must question whether she can be trusted to handle public finances responsibly.
Turner’s legal troubles not only reflect a serious breach of trust but also raise ethical concerns about her ability to serve in a role that demands transparency and accountability. The electorate deserves a treasurer who prioritizes integrity and adheres to the law, especially when entrusted with public funds.
In light of her indictment and the nature of her alleged offenses, voters in Fort Bend County must carefully consider whether Carmen Turner is the right choice for tax assessor-collector. Trust is paramount in public service, and her past raises significant doubts about her suitability for the role.
