Bribery of Public Official Lands HCC Trustee in Hot Water
HOUSTON, Texas – Chris Oliver, a 53-year-old trustee with Houston Community College (HCC), has been convicted of bribery of a public official concerning programs receiving federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore unsealed the case against Chris Oliver on today, revealing a guilty plea that was originally made on May 15, 2017. Oliver was initially charged with bribery of a public official on March 9, 2017.
At the time of his guilty plea, Chris Oliver admitted to accepting bribes in exchange for the promise of official actions related to his duties as a member of the HCC board of trustees. According to court documents, Oliver met with another individual on several occasions at various restaurants and coffee shops in Houston, where he accepted cash payments in exchange for promising to use his position to help that person secure contracts with HCC.
As a result of his conviction, Chris Oliver faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine at his sentencing hearing, which has been set for August 28, 2017. Oliver is currently free on bond pending his sentencing.
The investigation into Chris Oliver’s activities was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Department of Education – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Leuchtmann and Julie Searle are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information regarding public corruption in the Houston area is encouraged to contact the FBI helpline at 713-693-5000.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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