Skip to main content
Fog icon
36º

Court date again moved for accused test-taker in teacher certification cheating scandal

HISD Assistant Principal Nicholas Newton is accused of taking an estimated 430 fraudulent tests. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

The court date has been moved once again for the man police believe is responsible for taking multiple teacher certification tests in a statewide cheating scandal.

Nicolas Newton, 35, appeared in court today, but his court date was pushed back until Feb. 26. He has been charged with two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity for his role in the scandal.

Recommended Videos



MORE INFO: Houston ISD Asst. Principal, alleged test-taker in teacher certification cheating scandal has court date moved

Newton served as an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School, a Houston ISD campus. Vincent Grayson, who is accused of being the ringleader of the operation, was the head basketball coach at the same school.

Newton’s attorney, Feroz Merchant, reiterated his client’s innocence and said he is prepared to take the case to trial.

“The reality is that we all have a presumption of innocence if we’ve pled not guilty of the offense,” Merchant said. “The burden of proof is with the state, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Newton’s bond has been set at $25,000.


About the Author
Michael Horton headshot

Michael is a Kingwood native who loves visiting local restaurants and overreacting to Houston sports. He joined the KPRC 2 family in the spring of 2024. He earned his B.A. from Texas A&M University in 2022 and his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023.

Loading...