Wed Nov 20 10:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Former Harris County Health Director Charged with Misuse of Official Information
**HOUSTON, TX** – Former Harris County Public Health Director Barbie Robinson has been formally charged with misuse of official information, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Tuesday. The charge relates to an alleged misuse of millions of dollars in connection with a $16 million contract awarded to IBM for the “Access Harris” program.
According to court documents, the DA’s office alleges that IBM had an unfair advantage in the bidding process, having already begun work on the project before the bidding even commenced. Evidence reportedly includes emails between IBM and Harris County employees, including Robinson, detailing this prior engagement.
Robinson was fired from her position in August 2024 following a separate investigation into a potential conflict of interest involving another company, although no charges were filed in that instance. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, though she is not currently in custody.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a statement criticizing the charges, claiming they are politically motivated and echoing previous accusations against DA Ogg of weaponizing her office against political opponents. Hidalgo alleges the charges are false and baseless. The statement highlights that previous accusations made by Ogg against Hidalgo’s staff proved unsubstantiated.
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