What is the status of the number of active city escape work orders? Houston Public Works remains silent after employee accusation

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another major problem looms as the city of Houston deals with the fallout from the alleged theft of millions of dollars of taxpayer money over a 10-month period.

What happened to the broken water pipes these funds were supposed to fix?

Eyewitness News posed this question to the City of Houston Public Works Department, but has not yet received a response.

“I am working with my team to get the latest information,” a department spokesperson said. “I will contact you as soon as I have more.”

They have not yet sent ABC13 additional information.

On Friday, Patrece Lee, a former Public Works employee, was indicted on several counts of corruption, in addition to abuse of his official duties.

Lee is accused of funneling money through several businesses.

The money was supposed to help hire outside contractors to repair broken water infrastructure in the city.

Lee is one of seven people charged in connection with the case.

Below are the names listed in court documents who are accused:

• Andrew Travis Thomas, brother of Lee and registered agent of Lu’s Construction and Inspection
• Danielle Hurts, former City of Houston contract employee
• Joseph Nerie, owner of Nerie Construction
• Edelmiro Castillo, owner of Omega Engineering, Inc.
• Tiesha Coleman Houston, Owner of TJ Cole Enterprises, LLC
• Frank Perkins, owner of CST Connections, LLC

The city of Houston has approved spending up to $80 million on outside contractors to repair water main breaks in 2023.

RELATED: ‘I feel your frustration’: Houston city officials address long wait times for water leak repairs

ABC13 is trying to find out which projects were affected by the alleged crime. The number of active leaks occurring in the city is also being determined.

The city said there were about 1,000 active leak work orders as of mid-April.

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