A former Houston Water Department manager sentenced to 10 years in prison for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme could be released on parole next month, just five months after her sentencing.
The KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation first uncovered the shady contract deals.
Patrece Lee received her sentence in February for orchestrating a kickback scheme that cost Houston taxpayers millions. She becomes eligible for parole due to Texas laws governing non-violent offenders and credit for time served.
The Texas Rangers investigation revealed Lee awarded waterline repair contracts to family members and friends in exchange for monetary kickbacks during her tenure as a maintenance manager at Houston Public Works.
Lee pleaded guilty to one count of bribery in a plea agreement that led prosecutors to drop additional charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and abuse of official capacity. The agreement included her commitment to testify against other defendants in the case.
Crime victim advocate criticizes potential early release
Texas law requires non-violent offenders to serve only a quarter of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Lee received credit for 250 days spent in jail awaiting trial, plus additional credit for good behavior while in prison, earning two to three days for each day served.
Andy Kahan, crime victims’ advocate with Crime Stoppers of Houston, expressed concern about the early parole possibility.
“There are certain cases that don’t merit being looked at every year. This is one of them,” Kahan said. “I get it. It’s classified as non-violent, but you hurt so many people. So many people to this day are recuperating from what you did in a trusted position.”
New Legislation may affect future parole for non-violent crimes
Recent legislation could affect future parole considerations in cases like Lee’s.
Texas Senate Bill 1506 now allows the Board of Pardons and Paroles to delay considering inmates for parole for up to five additional years, rather than requiring annual reviews.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has not yet announced whether it will formally protest Lee’s parole consideration.
Members of the public wishing to submit comments regarding Lee’s potential parole can email the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The board requires correspondence to include Lee’s TDCJ number for proper processing.
Background of the case
First uncovered by KPRC 2 Investigates, Lee’s February sentencing came after a lengthy investigation into corruption within the Houston Public Works Department. Prosecutors say Lee used her position to funnel emergency water line repair projects to her brother’s construction company while accepting kickbacks from other contractors.
The scheme came to light after the Houston City Council allocated $80 million for emergency water line repairs caused by extreme drought conditions. Lee’s role in verifying potential vendors allowed her to orchestrate the fraudulent contracts.
According to court documents, at least four vendors made payments directly to Lee or her company in exchange for contracts or expedited payments.
Following Lee’s arrest, Houston Public Works implemented new oversight measures, ensuring multiple people verify emergency purchase orders rather than relying on a single individual’s authorization.
The public can weigh in on parole hearing
Kahan says anyone can write an email to the Parole Board to support or protest Lee’s parole. The emails are confidential. Lee will not know who wrote or what they said.
You need to include Lee’s TDCJ number in your email.
Patrece Lee
TDCJ #: 02543109
Email: victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov
More info: Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
The KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation also focuses on water billing issues in Houston. The city made sweeping changes to how the water bill system works after our investigation showed numerous issues.
We are still working to get answers for customers with complaints! Email Amy Davis at ADavis@kprc.com and Andrea Slaydon at ASlaydon@kprc.com.
