Special Investigations Unit
Report Regarding Higher Education Coordinating Board Loan Applications
January 2001
Report Number 01-015
Overall Conclusion
An investigation by the State Auditor's Special Investigations Unit led to the indictment of Brenda Francis, a former student of Baylor University, and Christopher Abrego, a former student of Texas Lutheran University. The investigation was referred to the Public Integrity Unit of the Travis County District Attorney, which obtained the indictments.
Key Facts and Findings
Our investigation was prompted by allegations that Ms. Francis and Mr. Abrego defrauded the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). We determined that:
- Ms. Francis submitted a loan application with a forged signature of the co-signer to the THECB which dispersed funds to Ms. Francis
- Mr. Abrego submitted a loan application with an altered amount without the consent of the co-signer to the THECB which dispersed funds to Mr. Abrego
THECB loss as a result of Ms. Francis and Mr. Abrego's conduct exceeded $13,000.
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