Texas prosecutors uncover widespread teacher certification fraud

A phony teacher certification ring allowed over 200 fraudulently certified teachers to practice in Texas classrooms, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said at a Monday press conference. At least five people face felony charges of engaging in criminal activity with potential sentences ranging from two years to life behind bars. At least 400 tests were taken illegitimately as far back as 2020, Ogg said. Veteran teacher and head basketball coach Vincent Grayson allegedly acted as the operation’s kingpin and made about $1 million, Harris County felony chief prosecutor Mike Levine told the media. Two vice principals were also charged in the fraud along with two testing center employees.

The illegal licensing allowed at least two sexual predators to be falsely certified and to interact with minors, Ogg added. One alleged predator has been charged with indecency with a child, while the other faced an online solicitation charge, she said.

How did only five people pull off such a widespread operation? Grayson led the operation by bribing two local proctors to let a proxy take the test in place of the actual applicants. Proctors turned a blind eye to applicants leaving after checking in with identification and allowed the proxy to take his place in the exam room. Booker T. Washington High School Assistant Principal Nicholas Newton admitted to illegally taking the tests for applicants, Levine said. Yates High School Assistant Principal LaShonda Roberts also allegedly recruited nearly 100 teachers for the ring, prosecutors said.

How was the scheme uncovered? Investigators received a tip about the operation and then noticed a pattern that launched the 2023 investigation. Applicants who had failed the test once or twice would drive over four hours to re-test in Houston, then pass with flying colors, Levine said. Investigators uncovered evidence in emails, cash-sending apps, phone records, and bank records, with interviews from dozens of teachers. Authorities continue investigating the corruption and encourage anyone with additional knowledge to step forward.