A widespread teacher certification cheating scandal has ensnared several Houston educators following an investigation by the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Among those arrested is Darian Nikole Wilhite, 22, who served as a test proctor for TACTIX, a company implicated in the scheme. Wilhite is accused of receiving bribes to act as a testing proxy for individuals attempting to obtain their teaching certifications. She was arrested and her bond was set at $75,000, as reported by Click2Houston.
Bond for three other Houston Independent School District (HISD) employees has been set, with allegations of their direct involvement in a scheme believed to have wrongfully certified up to 400 teachers. Nicholas Newton, whom officials claim to have personally taken exams in place of the rightful candidates, had a bond set at $50,000. LaShonda Roberts and Vincent Grayson also had bonds set at $50,000 and $100,000, respectively, with Roberts accused of recruiting teachers and Grayson labeled as the "kingpin" of the operation. In an interview, Cheryl Irvin, Grayson's attorney, stated, "If it becomes that the evidence is overwhelming, he will do as all of us should do, accept responsibility and rebuild, but at this stage, we’re not there yet," as obtained by FOX 26 Houston.
Houston ISD released a statement asserting their commitment to integrity and responsibility in education, asking anyone involved in misconduct to be held accountable. "Any educator who engages in conduct of this nature abdicates their responsibility to our students and to our staff and represents a complete betrayal of the public trust. HISD will cooperate fully with the Texas Education Agency and state and local law enforcement as the investigation progresses," said HISD. They also confirmed that implicated employees have been relieved of their duties, and any teachers found to have wrongfully obtained their certifications would face termination.
Felony Chief Mike Levine from the DA's Public Corruption Division has estimated that the illegal operation has amassed more than a million dollars over a four-year span. The accused have been instructed to strictly stay away from the school premises, including any interaction with employees and students, past or present. Their next court dates are scheduled for January. HISD has been resolute in their statement, underscoring an unwavering stance against corruption and pledging to take swift action in terminating any educators found complicit in the cheating scandal as they cooperate with ongoing investigations.
