Devin Wayne McCraney, $4M Heist, Beaumont TX, 2023

BEAUMONT, TX – A brazen betrayal of public trust has rocked the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD), as two of its top financial officials stand accused of pilfering over $4 million. Devin Wayne McCraney, 35, and Sharika Baksh Allison, 43, both of Beaumont, were indicted today on federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

The 19-count indictment alleges that McCraney, the District’s Director of Finance, and Allison, the Comptroller, engaged in a systematic scheme beginning in 2010 to embezzle $4,041,705.27 from BISD. Prosecutors claim the pair orchestrated 18 separate wire transfers to bank accounts they personally controlled. This wasn’t a slip of the pen; it was a calculated, years-long drain on resources meant for the city’s children.

“FDR famously said, ‘The school is the last expenditure upon which America should be willing to economize’,” Bales stated, a pointed reminder of the importance of funding education. “And the truth is that the citizens of Beaumont have heeded that wise advice and have spent lavishly on their public schools… But as this indictment illustrates, there are individuals at BISD who have corruptly embezzled from that generous provision by stealing over $4 million dollars that was intended to underwrite excellent schools.” Bales vowed that if convicted, the pair “will face justice.”

Federal investigators aren’t pulling punches. “The FBI recognizes that fighting public corruption is vital to preserving our democracy,” said SAC Stephen L. Morris. “Our public officials have and always will be held to a higher standard to maintain their positions of trust.” The U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General echoed that sentiment, with Special Agent in Charge Neil Sanchez condemning the alleged actions as “completely unacceptable” and promising continued aggressive pursuit of those who exploit the education system for personal gain.

The indictment details a conspiracy and 18 counts of fraud, carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison for each defendant. The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher T. Tortorice and Joseph R. Batte leading the prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.

Important Note: A grand jury indictment is not proof of guilt. Both McCraney and Allison are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Anyone with information related to this matter is urged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 409-832-8571.

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