The details
During an Oct. 28 news conference, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said at least 400 tests were taken and at least 200 teachers were falsely certified through the operation.
Ogg noted individuals would typically pay $2,500 to have other people take certification tests for them at two testing centers—Houston Training and Education Center and TACTIX—in Houston.
The individuals charged who are employed with HISD include:
- Vincent Grayson, head boys basketball coach and teacher at Booker T. Washington High School
- Nicholas Newton, assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School
- LaShonda Roberts, assistant principal at Yates High School
A closer look
During the news conference, prosecutors alleged Grayson was the “kingpin” of the operation, noting he made more than $1 million from the alleged scheme.
Newton is accused of taking at least 430 tests to help teachers obtain their certifications, while Roberts is accused of recruiting around 100 people to seek their certifications through the operation, prosecutors said.
HISD Chief of Communications Alexandra Elizondo said the three HISD employees accused were placed on paid leave Oct. 28.
“Any educator who engages in conduct of this nature abdicates their responsibility to our students and to our staff and represents a complete betrayal of the public trust,” Elizondo said in an emailed statement. “HISD will cooperate fully with the Texas Education Agency and state and local law enforcement as the investigation progresses.”
Prosecutors said Wilhite is accused of accepting $250 in cash from Grayson each time she’d allow Newton to test in the seat of a teacher applicant. Wilson is accused of accepting money from Grayson to keep the scheme undetected, prosecutors said.
Each of the five individuals have been arrested and charged with two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, Ogg said during the news conference.
Also of note
Ogg also said two of the individuals who paid to obtain false certifications have been charged with crimes against children, noting one individual was charged with indecency with a child and another was charged with online solicitation of a minor.
"It was the access through the certification that was false that allowed them to commit the crimes," Ogg said.
What’s next
While the Texas Education Agency has not yet provided the names of teachers who have been falsely certified, officials said an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Elizondo said the district would work with the TEA and other investigating agencies while they gather additional information.
“If it is determined that any teachers currently working in HISD participated in this scheme or passed their certification exams fraudulently, we will take swift action to terminate their employment with the district,” Elizondo said in a statement.
