Ex-Trinidad ISD Business Manager Gets 2-Year Prison Term for Stealing Nearly $340,000 from District

Texas outline map, with a red star depicting the location in the state of Trinidad ISD
Image: TexEdNews

A federal judge has sentenced former Trinidad ISD business manager Brandon Delane Looney, 39, to a two-year prison term following his guilty plea to a federal charge of “theft from a program receiving federal funds,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Eastern District of Texas) announced on Friday (April 25).

According to information presented in court, Looney stole nearly $340,000 from TISD between 2017 and 2023 while he served as the ISD’s business manager.

Trips to Disney World

Looney reportedly used the stolen funds to purchase personal trips to Walt Disney World and on spending sprees at the Disney Store.

Prosecutors said that Trinidad ISD — one of the poorest school districts in Texas — suffered adverse financial consequences as a result of Looney’s theft.

Restitution

Records reflect that Looney has thus far paid $200,000 in restitution by liquidating his available assets (including his home) — and that the remaining balance of the restitution judgment will be collectible for 20 years after he is released from prison.