Texas Prosecutors Allege Some Teachers In The State Illegally Obtained Licenses

Legal professionals in the state of Texas have uncovered a major scandal involving some teachers in the state not being able to legally teach students in the state. Here's what is known at the time of writing.

Teaching Fraud Potentially In Texas

According to the Texas Tribune, five individuals, three who have ties to the Houston Independent School District, have been taken into custody. The three identified are Booker T. Washington High School boys basketball coach Vincent Grayson, Washington High Assistant Principal Nicholas Newton, and Yates High School employee LaShonda Roberts. Grayson's alleged actions were revealed by prosecutors.

Per the Texas Tribune, Grayson was the leader of a group that took money to assist in the getting the teaching licenses mentioned. The amount was around $2,500, which an estimated 400 persons provided funds. Prosecutors stated this scam began around 2020, which led to $1 million being gained by the group.

Get our free mobile app

Texas Education Agency Statement, Newton And Roberts Roles Revealed

The Texas Education Agency was quoted as saying they “will review any and all information shared by law enforcement and pursue appropriate action against any educator involved in this scheme.” In addition, further details were released in regards to how Newton And Roberts assisted with the fraud. They were both alleged to be taking the test and assisting individuals in Texas to become teachers.

Newton had collected $188,000 before being, as stated by prosecutors, “caught red-handed taking tests for two teachers at once and gave a full confession." Roberts on the other hand “recruited and referred," around 90 unidentified persons, receiving nearly $267,000 in total payments.

As this is a developing story, we will have more information when it becomes available.