A Houston federal jury found Brian Busby, former Chief Operating Officer of the Houston Independent School District, and contractor Anthony Hutchison guilty of conspiracy, bribery, filing false tax returns, and witness tampering. Hutchison was also convicted on seven counts of wire fraud. The verdict followed a four-week trial with testimony from over 50 witnesses, including five former Houston Independent School District officials who admitted receiving bribes. The trial detailed a nine-year scheme involving favoritism towards Hutchison’s companies for Houston Independent School District contracts, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
New evidence revealed that Hutchison’s companies, Just Construction and Southwest Wholesale, were involved in inflating invoices and securing Houston Independent School District projects through bribes, resulting in over $6 million in losses. Former Houston Independent School District Chief Operating Officer Busby could not account for large cash deposits into his 18 bank accounts. Hutchison also filed false tax returns, using company checks to cover gambling debts and bribes. "For years, Busby and Hutchison defrauded the largest public school system in Texas out of millions of dollars - money that was intended to benefit the students of HISD," said Ganjei, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen will sentence Busby and Hutchison on July 28. Both individuals face significant prison terms for their involvement in criminal activities. Several Houston Independent School District officials who pleaded guilty prior to the trial are also awaiting sentencing, each facing up to five years in prison. Despite their convictions, Busby and Hutchison remain on bond until sentencing. The investigation, led by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation, focused on corruption within public service, particularly in education. "At the end of the day, we want to make sure corrupt individuals like Busby and Hutchison are brought to justice," said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
