Five individuals are facing charges in connection with a teacher certification cheating ring that resulted in unqualified teachers working in Texas schools, District Attorney Kim Ogg has announced. The cheating scandal involved the fraudulent certification of teachers who were then placed in school districts across the state, with three Houston ISD employees among those charged.
Investigations revealed that hundreds of tests were faked, leading to at least 200 falsely certified teachers. The alleged ringleader, the head boys basketball coach at Booker T. Washington High School, reportedly made over $1 million from the scheme. Charges include organized criminal activity and other crimes against children.
The cheating operation involved proxies taking tests on behalf of teachers, with bribes being paid to ensure the scheme remained undetected. Individuals involved in the scheme recruited others, leading to nearly 100 teachers participating in the fraud. The scheme was uncovered in 2020 when a former coach applying to be a police officer provided details to investigators.
The Houston ISD responded by stating that they were not aware of the situation until shortly before the arrests, at which point the employees involved were relieved of their duties. The district is working to review current teacher certifications and will terminate contracts if fraud is discovered. The Texas Education Agency will also take appropriate action against any educators involved in the cheating scheme following their review.
The investigation is ongoing, and all individuals involved in the scheme are facing charges. Sentences for engaging in organized criminal activity range from two years to life in prison. The public remains shocked at the betrayal of trust by those in positions of influence within the school district.
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