Houston official charged with embezzlement of millions in public funds

HOUSTON – For the second time in less than 30 days, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is announcing public corruption charges against a public official whose job was to police Houstonians.

A grand jury indicted Todd Edwards, former real estate director of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA), for “abuse of official capacity,” according to a charming complaint. Two sellers, along with Edwards, were also arrested.

The investigation appears to have come to light last fall, according to one of the complainants KPRC 2 Investigates spoke with after the City of Houston Inspector General’s Office discovered that Edwards “used his position” to profit through businesses in which he had interests, according to Houston city records.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office said $8 million to $10 million in public funds were embezzled or misused by an MRA official and vendors.

Kim Ogg is expected to speak about his arrest Friday afternoon.