Texas Basketball Coach Among Five Charged in $1 Million Fraudulent Teacher Certification Scheme

Five individuals have been arrested for their involvement in an illegal scheme that provided fake teacher certifications, generating at least $1 million in Houston.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg explained that the operation involved a teacher impersonator taking certification exams for actual candidates, with a corrupt test administrator facilitating the dishonesty.

The five suspects, all of whom have either previously worked or are currently employed by the Houston Independent School District (HISD), face two counts each for engaging in organized criminal activity.

The leader of the scheme was basketball coach, Vincent Grayson, 57, at Booker T. Washington High School, who reportedly profited approximately $1 million from the operation. Grayson’s bond has been lowered to $150,000.

The other four were identified as Tywana Gilford Mason, 51, the former director/VA certifying official at the Houston Training and Education Center, Nicholas Newton, 35, an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School, Darian Nikole Wilhite, 22, a proctor at TACTIX and LaShonda Roberts, 39, an assistant principal at Yates High School. Her bond has also been lowered to $50,000.

HISD became aware of the cheating conspiracy investigation shortly before the arrests took place. “Any educator who engages in this type of conduct neglects their duty to our students and staff, representing a grave breach of public trust. HISD will fully cooperate with the Texas Education Agency and state and local law enforcement as the investigation moves forward. All three employees involved have been arrested and will be promptly notified of their immediate suspension,” stated Alexandra Elizondo, chief of public affairs and communication at the district.

“Furthermore, if it is found that any current teachers in HISD participated in this scheme or fraudulently passed their certification exams, we will take immediate steps to terminate their employment with the District,” she added.