BEAUMONT, Texas — An Orange man has pleaded guilty to theft from the Trinidad Independent School District.
38-year-old Brandon Delane Looney pleaded guilty on May 15, 2024, to theft from a program that was receiving federal funds while serving as business manager for TISD, according to an Eastern District of Texas news release.
It is a federal crime for someone to steal from an organization receiving more than $10,000 in federal funds annually.
Looney embezzled more than $300,000 between 2017 and 2023 while working for TISD in Henderson County, according to court documents. Looney used the funds to go on trips to Walt Disney World and spending sprees at the Disney Store.
Looney faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a potential fine and mandatory restitution to the district for the funds he stole.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the U.S. Probation Office completes a pre-sentence investigation.
Before pleading guilty, Looney worked with the Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to liquidate his assets and preserve them for the restitution he will be ordered to pay TISD once sentenced, according to the release.
With the government’s oversight and approval, Looney sold his house in Vidor and other assets to preserve over $200,000 for TISD.
The full restitution judgment will be collectible for 20 years after the termination of Looney’s incarceration.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Tyler Field Office, with assistance from the Tyler Police Department and the Trinidad ISD.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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