Five people are facing felony charges in a fraudulent teaching certification scandal involving a scheme estimated to be worth $1 million, a ruse that could impact as many as 400 Texas teachers.

The alleged scam involved dishonest teaching certification being administered across the state, which made teachers appear to have received credentials they never actually attained. Mike Levin, the felony chief of the DA's Public Corruption Division believes that those who organized the scheme made more than $1 million off it.

Here's what we know about the 5 who have been charged:

  • LaShonda Roberts, 39, the assistant principal at Yates High School is accused of recruiting almost 100 teachers to participate in the crime.
  • Vincent Grayson, 57, the head boys basketball coach at Booker T. Washington High School is accused of organizing the scam.
  • Nichola Newton, 35, the assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School is reported to have posed as a proxy test-taker in the scam.
  • Tywana Gilford Mason, 51, the former certifying official and director at the Houston Training and Education Center, allegedly helped conceal the proxy scam as a trusted test proctor.
  • Darian Nikole Wilhite, 22, an exam proctor at TACTIX, is accused of receiving bribes to allow proxy testing.

All of the defendants in this case are currently facing two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, which is a felony offense.

Not a great example to set for the kiddos, guys...

What do you think? Drop me a comment on this article and then keep scrolling for more Texas-based content in the galleries below...

Beware of The Top 3 Most Alligator-Infested Waters in Texas

Watch your step!

Gallery Credit: Chrissy

5 Feel-Good Texas News Stories That Will Make You Smile

Happy stuff to make your day a little brighter...

Gallery Credit: Chrissy

5 Awesome Weekend Getaways Not Far From Lubbock

Here's a list of cool places you can spend the weekend that aren't too far from home.

Gallery Credit: Chrissy