Danielle Hurts, the only City of Houston employee ordered to pay restitution in the water line criminal corruption case, is seeking donations through a GoFundMe account.
Hurts is one of 7 people indicted in the corruption scandal first uncovered in the KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation.
Hurts was indicted for bribery and abuse of official capacity but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of public servant acceptance of a gift. As part of her plea agreement, she must pay $50,000 in restitution.
Hurts shared the GoFundMe link on her Facebook page last week, titling it “Donate to Stand with Danielle: Rebuild Her Life and Help Others.”
In her post, she stated that she is fighting for her innocence and claimed she was used as a pawn. She wrote, “Your donation will help me fight this legal battle, cover essential expenses, and rebuild my life and business.”
According to the Texas Rangers, Hurts acted as Patrece Lee’s “dedicated collection agent” and “bagman,” collecting kickbacks from contractors and receiving multiple paychecks using an alias. This allowed her to double-dip from contractors and the city of Houston.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Why doesn’t convicted Houston water department manager have to pay back money investigators say she stole?
Investigator Amy Davis talked with Hurts earlier this month. 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.
As of the latest update, Hurts has received one donation of $100.
Don’t forget, our ‘DRAINED’ Investigation also led to massive water bill changes for water bill customers. ‘DRAINED’ results: Changes for Houston water customers.
