Hundreds of people have reached out, eager for more details about the Houston waterline corruption scandal first exposed by KPRC 2 Investigates. Investigator Amy Davis is delving into the investigation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal case and addressing your questions.
First, quick recap on the KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation: How did we get here?
Investigator Amy Davis first reported on questionable contracts in November 2023. Initially, it seemed like no one was paying attention. Mayor Sylvester Turner refused to discuss the findings, even calling Davis “rude” during an attempt to speak with him.
The situation shifted when John Whitmire won the race to become Houston’s next mayor. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office began investigating the contracts, leading to indictments against seven individuals by the end of May 2024.
Court records reveal that Patrece Lee, a maintenance manager in the water department, orchestrated a criminal enterprise. She solicited kickbacks from city contractors in exchange for awarding them larger contracts. Lee also created a fake company in her brother’s name, securing a $4.5 million contract for it.
The Texas Rangers arrested Lee on May 30, and she has been in the Harris County Jail since. The other defendants were required to appear in court.
WATCH: ‘I screwed up’: Contractor charged in Houston waterline repair scandal
After the indictments and arrests in May, things quieted down.
Plea deals for those indicted in waterline contract scandal
In early February 2025, it was revealed that the District Attorney’s Office was negotiating plea deals with the defendants. However, these agreements left many dissatisfied. People wanted to see the defendants questioned on the stand and sentenced by a jury, expressing a desire for the return of taxpayer money.
One common question came from Louis Vargas, who asked, “Is she (Patrece Lee) paying back any funds misdirected? She should be made to sell her house and cars to pay back what she stole.”
Unfortunately, only Danielle Hurts, one of the seven charged, was ordered to pay restitution, amounting to $50,000.
The prosecutor explained that Hurts was the only defendant with the means to pay. The other business owners had paid money to Lee for their contracts. Evidence showed Lee obtained $702,000 through kickbacks and self-awarded contracts, but she spent the money, leaving no savings to recover. The original prosecutor mentioned evidence of Lee purchasing new vehicles, but without a trial, these details may remain undisclosed.
WATCH: Danielle Hurts tearfully tells Amy Davis she was just doing what she was told
The current head of public corruption at the D.A.’s office stated that asset seizure wasn’t considered for this case.
Another question arose: Is the case over?
Back in May, the prosecutor indicated ongoing investigations and potential additional charges. The lead prosecutor, Kimberly Smith, confirmed that while there are potential suspects, the case remains under investigation with only seven co-defendants at present.
Many questioned why the District Attorney was quick to offer plea deals despite having substantial evidence. D.A. Sean Teare and lead prosecutor Kimberly Smith explained that 99% of cases at the criminal courthouse are resolved with plea deals. Smith noted the difficulty in securing jury sentences like the one achieved for Patrece Lee.
Finally, people wanted to know: How much of her 10-year sentence Lee would actually serve?
Charged with two first-degree felonies and four second-degree felonies, Lee’s charges were reduced in exchange for a guilty plea to bribery, a second-degree felony.
In Texas, offenders with second-degree felonies are eligible for parole after serving a quarter of their sentence. With credit for the eight months already served, Lee could be released as early as June 2026.
‘DRAINED’ results - changes for Houston water customers
The KPRC ‘DRAINED’ Investigation did not just lead to indictments related to contract dealings. There have also been massive changes to the water billing system in Houston. The billing revamp is still in process for customers who were frustrated over high and often confusing water bills. You can catch up on the latest on that here.
WATCH: Ask Amy ‘DRAINED’ Special
