HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A former assistant dean of admissions at Texas Southern University’s (TSU) law school, Edward Rene, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following convictions for theft by a public servant and sexual performance by a minor, court records confirm.
The 2020 theft charges stemmed from an investigation revealing that Rene fraudulently awarded double scholarships to at least two law students and pocketed the returned funds for personal gain. TSU reported a financial loss of $177,000, which Rene has been ordered to repay in restitution.
In 2023, Rene faced additional charges in a separate and more disturbing case. Prosecutors said he induced a minor to engage in sexual acts in June 2018. Authorities say photographic evidence shows Rene involved in a sexual act with the underage victim.
TSU has not commented publicly since the sentencing, but officials previously confirmed Rene was terminated following the criminal investigations.
