HCC Trustee Convicted of Bribery

HOUSTON – A trustee with Houston Community College (HCC) was recently 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, 53, of Houston, today. He was originally charged March 9, 2017, and pleaded guilty May 15, 2017.

At the time of his guilty plea, Oliver admitted he accepted bribes in exchange for the promise of official actions related to his duties as a member of the HCC board of trustees. It was revealed in open court at the plea hearing that 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.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing, which has been set for Aug. 28, 2017. At that time, Oliver faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the Department of Education - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Leuchtmann and Julie Searle are prosecuting the case.

If you have information regarding public corruption in the Houston area, please contact the FBI helpline at 713-693-5000.