Former school board member convicted

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A former member of the Corpus Christi Independent School District Board has pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The investigation into John Longoria began in December 2018 following an approximately two-year extensive and suspicious remodeling project that occurred at his home. Authorities ultimately executed several search warrants at his residence and elsewhere in November 2020.

As a result of the financial investigation, law enforcement determined Longoria had underreported his income to the IRS for tax years 2014 through 2016. As part of his plea, he admitted he had failed to truthfully disclose to the IRS all income he received in the form of goods, property or services during that time.

Longoria has agreed to pay restitution to the Department of the Treasury in the amount of $187,315.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 24, 2024. At that time, Longoria faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine.

Longoria was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.