A small change to prevent another multi-million-dollar corruption scandal like the one KPRC 2 Investigates exposed in the Houston water department. Our ‘DRAINED’ investigation led to seven criminal indictments. Investigative reporter Amy Davis went to the Houston city council meeting to find out about the new change to city processes.
Investigative reporter Amy Davis went to the Houston City Council meeting to find out about the new change to city processes.The alleged corruption we uncovered went unnoticed for so long because the shady contracts were awarded as emergency purchase orders . With EPOs, there is no bidding or real background checks on the businesses getting tax dollars because they are hired to do work ASAP.
“Emergencies do come up. So there definitely is a place for emergency contracts in the city, but we need to do our due diligence still and make sure that it’s legitimate and that there isn’t corruption. These are tax dollars, so we need that level of scrutiny,” said Amy Peck, Houston council member District A.
'DRAINED' Investigation results: What's being done to help prevent another multi-million-dollar corruption scandal likePeck says Mayor Whitmire approved the amendment and that the new disclosure will take effect in 30 days. In the meantime, Patrece Lee is still in jail on a $460,000 bond. She has been charged with bribery and abuse of official capacity.investigation and have posted bonds.
Andrew Thomas, Lee’s brother is the only defendant indicted by the grand jury in May who still has not turned himself in.Even with all of the defendants, the Harris County District Attorney’s office said they are still investigating and there might be more people charged in this case. They’re asking anybody with tips or information to call the Texas Rangers at 281-517-1400.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Corruption charges after ‘DRAINED’ Investigation uncovers emergency water repair scamBig developments stemming from the KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation into the City of Houston water department.
Read more »
KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer grills CenterPoint on Houston’s massive power outages after stormDay 5 of storm recovery was getting rough for people still without power, which means no air conditioning as temps hit above 90 for the fourth day in a row, with the weather promising to feel even more like an oven as we move toward the holiday weekend.
Read more »
People concerned with overgrown trees after Houston storm turn to KPRC 2 Investigates for helpIn the aftermath of the storm, residents in Magnolia Park have expressed concerns over trees they say are not on their property and not being properly maintained. Who's responsibility is it?
Read more »
Houston severe weather: Flight delays expected at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in HoustonTravelers planning to fly out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport as severe weather conditions are anticipated to cause disruptions.
Read more »
Houston storm: Additional road, sidewalk closures announced for downtown HoustonAdditional road closures have been announced in downtown Houston due to changing wind conditions and ongoing restoration work.
Read more »
Missing in Houston: Beloved high school football coach Jon’al White vanishes after trip to HoustonThe family of Jon’al White, a beloved high school football coach, is desperately searching for him after he went missing in Houston.
Read more »