Texas Rangers open investigation into East Plano Islamic Center amid scrutiny

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is directing the Texas Rangers to launch a criminal investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), marking the latest in a series of state-led probes into the organization and its proposed community development in Collin County, EPIC City.

The announcement coincided with a public hearing held in Collin County over a plan in the works to create a Muslim centric community called EPIC City, complete with homes, a school and retail stores.

Despite the meeting held Monday afternoon, there was an overflow of people who had to stand in the hallway listening to a live stream of the meeting.

Developers attended the public hearing but did not have a presentation prepared, as no official filings have been made and the project remains in its early stages.

A county representative provided details as to the permitting process and where this specific project stands with the county.

To date, there have not been any permits requested by the property owners or developers.

Three representatives of the project, including the senior planner, agreed to be present for the hearing and spoke to commissioners about where the project stands, informing the court that some changes are being made to the plan and that the project has yet to go through the first step of the permitting process with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

“We’re in the due-diligence process,” said the project’s lead planner, David Kalhoefer. “We’ve performed a water study, flood study and traffic analysis. We do understand the density issue and we’re looking at the options to prepare an application for TECQ.”

In a post on X Monday morning, Abbott announced that the Texas Rangers will focus on “potential criminal law violations” by EPIC. Abbott did not provide specifics on what exactly prompted the investigation but stated that any charges would only be filed after the investigation is completed.

“Texas is a law-and-order state. Those scheming to evade law enforcement scrutiny must know justice is awaiting them,” he said in a statement in the social post. “That’s why I directed the Texas Rangers to fully investigate the group behind the proposed EPIC compound for potentially violating criminal law.”

This is now the fifth investigation into EPIC and its development efforts, adding to ongoing scrutiny from Texas leaders.

Developers are looking at rural land just outside the town of Josephine in eastern Collin County, about 40 miles northeast of Dallas.

The 402-acre project includes plans for more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, retail shops, apartments, a mosque, an assisted living center, and other community features.

Community Capital Partners, a for-profit entity formed by some EPIC members last year, is managing the project. However, the organization and its development arm face multiple state investigations.

In addition to the Texas Rangers’ criminal investigation, other state agencies are also looking into EPIC:

• The Texas Workforce Commission is investigating whether the project violates fair housing laws.
• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has launched an investigation into potential consumer protection law violations, though no details have been provided.
• The Texas State Securities Board is reviewing whether EPIC City’s development group misled investors.
• Separately, Abbott recently ordered EPIC to cease funeral services, claiming the center lacks the proper licensing.

It remains unclear what specific actions, if any, will be taken as these investigations unfold.

The vast majority of public comments were made in opposition of any EPIC proposal, regardless of modifications.

Noor Siddiqui is a member of the Muslim community.

He opted not to speak before the hearing but stood shoulder to shoulder with others outside the courtroom listening to blistering opinions, at times involving unfounded conspiracy theories about his religion and culture.

He told NBC 5 that he no longer feels like he belongs.

“Ever since I moved to Collin County, I felt like I was part of the community,” said Siddiqui. “EPIC, was hosting the largest warming shelter in Collin County just a few months ago during the great freeze, and now this place is packed with people that don’t want me here.”

Representatives for EPIC City have pushed back against the allegations, issuing a statement to NBC 5 saying, "We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation ... We look forward to working with the attorney general to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way."

In February, Community Capital Partners told our partners at The Dallas Morning News that their development would be open to people of all faiths and would comply with fair housing laws when accepting new members to that community. They also said they would conduct individualized assessments of prospective home buyers to "ensure they align with their goals of safety and security." Click here to read more.

NBC 5 has contacted EPIC and the developers for further comment on the latest investigation but has not yet received a response. A spokesperson for Community Capital Partners said those involved are coming out of the very busy Eid al-Fitr holiday weekend, marking the end of Ramadan.

When asked whether there is a timeline to bring a plan forward to the county, Kalhoefer said there was not but that he anticipates it will be sometime this year.