Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg Calls for FBI Investigation After Charges Against Barbie Robinson Dropped

In a bold move that has reignited local political tensions, former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has called for a federal investigation into the dismissal of felony charges against Barbie Robinson, the former executive director of Harris County Public Health. Ogg’s letter to the FBI, sent in early May 2025, alleges a “cover-up” by current District Attorney Sean Teare, claiming the decision to drop charges tied to an alleged $40 million bid-rigging scheme was politically motivated. The controversy centers on contracts awarded to IBM and DEMA Consulting & Management, raising questions about transparency, procurement processes, and potential corruption in Harris County.

Barbie Robinson, who led Harris County Public Health from March 2021 until her termination in August 2024, was charged with four felonies linked to alleged bid-rigging. On November 15, 2024, Ogg’s office filed a third-degree felony charge of misuse of official information, accusing Robinson of sharing confidential details with IBM for a $30 million ACCESS program contract. Emails suggested IBM gained an unfair advantage, with competitors offering bids as low as $2.2 million. Ogg described this as “cheating” that harmed taxpayers, particularly since the funds came from COVID-19 recovery allocations.

On December 23, 2024, days before Ogg’s term ended, her office added three more charges: two first-degree felonies for fraudulent securing of document execution worth $300,000 or more and one state jail felony for tampering with a governmental record. These charges involved an $8 million no-bid contract with DEMA Consulting & Management for the HART program, with allegations that DEMA’s CEO, Michelle Patino, offered jobs to Robinson and her husband, Paul Fields, creating a conflict of interest. Robinson’s prior work with IBM and DEMA in Sonoma County fueled suspicions of favoritism.

On May 2, 2025, DA Sean Teare, who defeated Ogg in the 2024 Democratic primary, dismissed all charges against Robinson after a thorough review by career prosecutors. Teare’s office found insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, noting no clear personal or financial gain for Robinson nor evidence of concealed relationships with IBM or DEMA. Teare emphasized the need for evidence-based prosecutions and vowed to improve transparency in county procurement processes.

Ogg sharply criticized the dismissal, accusing Teare of protecting political allies, including Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, in a “quid pro quo” tied to his election. In an ABC13 interview, Ogg called the move a “deliberate obstruction of justice,” pointing to the timing of the charges—filed just before her exit—

Ogg’s letter to the FBI calls for a federal investigation, citing concerns over potential evidence destruction due to Harris County’s email retention policies. “The county’s practices allow emails to be deleted,” Ogg told FOX 26, urging federal intervention to preserve records and ensure accountability. She argued that dismissing the charges undermined the grand jury’s findings and public trust, especially given the misuse of taxpayer funds.

Ogg’s tenure as DA (2017–2024) was marked by aggressive pursuit of public corruption cases, including charges against three of Hidalgo’s former staffers, most of which were later dropped. Critics, including Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis, have accused Ogg of politically motivated prosecutions, a claim she refutes, insisting her actions were evidence-driven.

The Robinson case has deepened the rift between Ogg and Hidalgo, who defended Robinson, labeling Ogg’s charges as “falsehoods” driven by political vendettas. Hidalgo, a Teare supporter, posted on X in November 2024, accusing Ogg of abusing her authority. Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Ogg’s current employer as a senior policy advisor, questioned the ACCESS program’s $25 million cost for serving only 1,200 people, while Commissioner Adrian Garcia raised concerns about the IBM and DEMA contracts without commenting on Robinson’s culpability.

Robinson’s attorney, Charles Flood, praised the dismissal, stating that Robinson was unfairly targeted by Ogg’s “political prosecution.” Robinson, who denies the allegations, is working to restore her reputation. No charges have been filed against her in Sonoma County, though DEMA’s billing practices there remain under scrutiny by local and federal authorities.

DEMA Consulting and Wider Concerns

DEMA Consulting’s $8 million no-bid contract and job offers to Robinson’s family have drawn attention, with the Texas Rangers’ affidavit citing emails suggesting conflicts of interest. While neither DEMA nor IBM faces charges, Teare’s review found insufficient evidence to proceed. In Sonoma County, DEMA is under investigation for billing irregularities, adding context to the Harris County allegations.

Ogg’s FBI request highlights her belief that the dropped charges conceal broader procurement issues. She seeks federal oversight to ensure accountability for the significant public funds involved.