Another day, and another case of public corruption for the city of Houston.
Mayor John Whitmire, and outgoing D.A. Kim Ogg announced that former city water department manager Patrice Lee is now in custody on felony charges for shady waterline contracts.
"People hate public corruption because it costs taxpayer money, and more importantly it violates the public trust in government" Ogg said.
7 people have been indicted for public corruption felonies. Lee who was arrested last night, her brother, and 5 others.
According to the D.A.'s office, Lee diverted over $400,000 of city funds to herself.
"We will not tolerate public corruption in the city of Houston" added Mayor Whitmire, "We will go wherever the facts show us, in all the departments. We're watching you. This is just an example of how people will be held accountable."
Both the Mayor and D.A. Ogg went out of their way to credit KPRC 2's Amy Davis for her work on pursuing the story over the last 2 years. It was her work, even though she was called "rude" by former mayor Sylvester Turner, that led to the Texas Rangers getting involved.
If convicted, Lee faces 5 years up to 99 years in prison.