In a tearful conversation with KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis, we are hearing from one of the defendants caught up in the Houston water line repair scandal.
This week marks a significant development in a major criminal case described by the Texas Rangers as a waterline repair corruption scheme. The contract scandal was initially exposed in the 2023 KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation.
Two central suspects are expected to agree to plea deals this week. Patrece Lee, the former water department manager, is currently in jail. Investigative reporter Amy Davis recently visited the home of the other defendant, Danielle Hurts.
Upon arriving at Hurts’ residence, Davis was met with a surprising reaction. “It’s my birthday,” Hurts exclaimed, visibly emotional. She turned 34 years old that day and shared her distress over the situation.
“I just graduated, and I can’t even use the freaking degree,” she said, expressing frustration over her life being “ruined” due to the charges against her.
Hurts faces charges of abuse of official capacity and bribery.
According to the Texas Rangers, she acted as Lee’s “dedicated collection agent” and “bagman,” collecting kickbacks from contractors and receiving multiple paychecks by using an alias. This allowed her to double-dip from contractors and the city of Houston.
In an emotional interview, Hurts denied the allegations.
“I was only an employee. I didn’t even make over $30,000,” she stated.
When questioned about using two different names to collect checks, she responded, “No.” The name Rachel Taylor was brought up, to which Hurts reacted with disbelief.
Hurts insisted that she either did not commit the crimes she was accused of or was unaware of her actions.
“I did what I was asked to do. That’s it,” she explained.
A neighbor in the Sheldon subdivision alerted KPRC 2 Investigates after noticing a sign promoting Hurts’ income tax business in her front yard. The neighbor expressed concern due to the fraud charges against Hurts. Both Hurts and Lee advertise their income tax businesses online and have promoted each other.
It’s worth noting that tax preparers and professionals can be convicted felons, though certain financial crimes may prevent them from practicing with the IRS.
The district attorney’s office has not disclosed the terms of the possible plea agreements with Lee and Hurts, nor the specific crimes they would plead guilty to. An emotional Hurts also declined to comment on the matter.
Patrece Lee’s plea hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, followed by Danielle Hurts’ hearing on Wednesday.
KPRC 2 News will be present for both proceedings and will provide updates on the outcomes.
Don’t forget, our ‘DRAINED’ Investigation also led to massive water billing changes for water bill customers. ‘DRAINED’ results: Changes for Houston water customers.
