Brandon Delane Looney, 39, of Orange, Texas, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for theft from the Trinidad Independent School District (ISD). Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Abe McGlothin, Jr., made the announcement.
Looney pleaded guilty to theft from a program receiving federal funds. U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle delivered the sentence on April 24, 2025.
Court information revealed that Looney, while serving as Trinidad ISD’s business manager between 2017 and 2023, stole nearly $340,000 from the school district. Federal law prohibits stealing from organizations that receive over $10,000 in federal funds annually. Looney used the stolen money for personal trips to Walt Disney World and shopping sprees at the Disney Store. Trinidad ISD, recognized as one of the poorest school districts in Texas, faced significant financial hardship due to Looney’s actions.
Prior to sentencing, Looney cooperated with the Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to liquidate his assets, including his home, and paid $200,000 in restitution. The remaining restitution balance will be collectible for 20 years after Looney’s release from prison.
The FBI’s Tyler Field Office, with assistance from the Tyler Police Department and Trinidad ISD, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells prosecuted the case.
