Brother Charged in Houston Contract Scandal Exposed by KPRC 2’s ‘DRAINED’

We’re hearing more from one of the main people accused in the city of Houston’s contract bribery scandal.

KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis was in court today for the latest developments in the case that first came to light through KPRC’s “DRAINED” investigation.

You may recall that investigator Amy Davis tried to knock on Andrew Thomas’ door to ask him about questionable water main repair contracts. He wouldn’t talk at the time.

Investigator Amy Davis revealed that her sister Patrece Lee had awarded her a $4.5 million contract to inspect water pipes. Five months later, a grand jury indicted Patrece Lee, Thomas and five others on bribery and kickback charges. On Friday, for the first time since that doorknocking, we heard from Andrew Thomas, who seemed to have a lot to say.

Andrew Thomas was in court Friday, July 12, to formally request a court-appointed attorney. He said he couldn’t afford one himself, so not much happened in the courtroom. He filled out the paperwork and KPRC 2 was able to catch up with him before he went inside.

With no door to protect him, Andrew Thomas answered every question Amy Davis asked him.

“I have never stolen anything in my life. Everything I have gotten, I got by luck or I earned it,” he said.

Andrew Thomas said he got the emergency contract his sister awarded him just six months after starting Lu’s Construction and Inspection.

Amy: “Did your company do anything before the waterline contract?”

André Thomas: “No, ma’am. This was the first contract. We were hoping to get this contract, get the job done and build a relationship with the city so we could follow up and get other contracts.”

Before being awarded new contracts, KPRC 2 revealed what appeared to be a major conflict of interest. One that neither he nor his sister disclosed in the conflict of interest questionnaires required by the city.

“I misread those forms and interpreted them differently,” Thomas said.

In court records, the Texas Rangers allege Thomas “falsified accounts” with Lee and transferred $406,000 to Lu’s Construction, then transferred much of that money to Patrece Lee’s account.

Thomas is accused of abuse of power.

Lee is charged with the same charges as well as four counts of bribery.

Amy: “What do you think about these accusations against you and your sister? These are quite serious accusations.”

André: “Yes, it’s very surprising because, as I said, the work was ongoing. It was ongoing. We had people on site inspecting the water lines that were being repaired, so it shocks me.”

Thomas’ sister, Patrece Lee, who worked for the city of Houston and got all those water contracts, remains in jail. She is the only one of the seven defendants not released on bail.