Brandon Delane Looney, Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds, Texas 2025

Crime

TYLER, Texas – A former school official has been brought to justice after embezzling nearly $340,000 from the Trinidad Independent School District.

Brandon Delane Looney, 39, pleaded guilty to theft from a program receiving federal funds and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on April 24, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Looney stole the funds between 2017 and 2023 while he served as Trinidad ISD’s business manager. Federal law makes it a crime for someone to steal from an organization receiving more than $10,000 in federal funds annually.

The theft resulted in adverse financial consequences for the school district, which is one of the poorest in Texas. Looney used the stolen funds to finance personal trips to Walt Disney World and shopping sprees at the Disney Store.

Looney worked with the Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to liquidate his available assets, including his home, to pay $200,000 of the restitution before sentencing. The remaining balance of the restitution judgment will be collectible for 20 years after the termination of Looney’s incarceration.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Tyler Field Office, with assistance from the Tyler Police Department and the Trinidad ISD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells.

Looney’s crimes have left a lasting impact on the Trinidad ISD community. The school district will continue to work tirelessly to recover from the financial losses suffered as a result of Looney’s actions.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Brandon Delane Looney; Charges: Theft from a program receiving federal funds; City and State: Tyler, Texas; Date: April 24, 2025; Sentence: 24 months in federal prison.

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