VON SCHMIDT FACES FELONY CHARGES IN LIVINGSTON
UPDATE - Mr. Charles Von Schmidt was found innocent of all charges by a jury on February 3, 2017. The week long trial took place in the 411th District court in Livingston, Texas.
The man who unsuccessfully tried to bring a controversial auto racetrack to the Chappell Hill area is facing felony charges in Polk County.
(Polk Co. Jail)
Authorities say Charles Von Schmidt faces five felony counts after turning himself in back on December 16th.
The Polk County District Attorney’s office confirmed that Von Schmidt faces charges of: Hindering Secured Creditors; Securing Execution of a Document by Deception; Tampering with Government Records; Making a False Statement for Property or Credit; and Fraudulent Finance.
A spokesperson for the Polk County District Attorney’s office said they could not discuss or disclose specifics of the case.
KWHI has learned that the charges involve a long, on-going investigation into the Cedar Point Subdivision on Lake Livingston.
Von Schmidt headed up Club Track Holdings who tried to construct a racetrack in the Chappell Hill area.
That plan was scrapped after a group of local property owner filed a civil lawsuit in 21st District Court seeking to halt construction of the facility, as well as massive public backlash.
The suit was never heard, as Club Track Holdings announced they had found a new location outside Washington County.
If you were to read the article, it states KWHI learned that the charges stemmed from an ongoing investigation regarding a development on Lake Livingston. The charges are not linked to the race track developments he has attempted. I believe in “Innocent until proven guilty.” Assumption of guilt in the “Court of public opinion” does not mean guilty! Also, disparaging remarks without knowing the facts only make those making the remarks appear biased, small minded and sufferers of low self esteem. They want to boost themselves by belittling others. If he is proven guilty in the courts, then I’ll be the first to repeat the verdict, but until then, he is entitled to the assumption of innocence.
While I believe that we all should be seen as innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, I will say that Brenham and Chappell Hill are lucky to have people who question any new venture coming into town. While most are indeed good and beneficial – as evidenced with growth in town, this one brought a lot of questions for many residents on many levels. They are also fortunate too that neither town ended up with the project because who knows what will happen due to these charges. It could’ve been a cat in a bag instead of the pig in the poke.
Ha! And all those track supporters thought he’d be bringing money in to the area. Looks like he’s been practicing how to take it out.