Houston authorities have charged five individuals allegedly involved in a teacher certification cheating scandal that led to over 200 teachers being falsely certified and working in Houston-area school districts. The five individuals charged include Vincent Grayson, Tywana Gilford Mason, Nicholas Newton, Darian Nikole Wilhite, and LaShonda Roberts.
Grayson, a head boys basketball coach, is accused of organizing the cheating scheme, while Mason, a former director, allegedly allowed the proxy scheme to go undetected. Newton, an assistant principal, participated as a proxy test-taker, and Wilhite, a proctor, took bribes to facilitate the scheme. Roberts, an assistant principal, recruited nearly 100 teachers to participate in the cheating.
The group is facing charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, with investigators suspecting as many as 400 tests were taken. District Attorney Kim Ogg revealed that at least two child sexual predators were among those illegally certified. Ogg expressed concern over the influence teachers and coaches have on children’s behavior, emphasizing the need for them to uphold a moral compass.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on the certifications to contact local police or Crime Stoppers. The investigation into the cheating scandal dates back to May 2020, with the co-defendants collectively profiting at least $1 million. The DA’s office is working to ensure the integrity of teacher certifications and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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