HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas — A former East Texas school business manager pleaded guilty to stealing over $300,000 and using the money to fund trips to Walt Disney World.
Brandon Delane Looney, 38, of Orange, entered a guilty plea on Wednesday to theft from a program receiving federal funds while he was working at the school, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Documents say Looney embezzled more than $300,000 between 2017 and 2023 from Trinidad ISD in Henderson County. Investigators also found he used the money to pay for trips to Walt Disney World and spending sprees at the Disney Store.
It's a federal crime to take money from an organization that receives more than $10,000 in federal funds annually, the news release said.
He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and will have to pay restitution to Trinidad ISD for the funds he stole. Looney may also have to pay a fine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after a presentence investigation, the statement read.
Prior to his guilty plea, Looney liquidated his assets and preserved them for the restitution by working with Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He sold his house in Vidor and other assets to preserve over $200,000 for Trinidad ISD.
The FBI’s Tyler Field Office investigated the case with help from the Tyler Police Department and the Trinidad ISD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells.