TRINIDAD— A man in Orange County plead guilty to embezzling more than $300,000 while employed as Trinidad ISD’s Business Manager. 
According to KLTV in Tyler, Brandon Delane Looney, 38, plead guilty May 15, to theft from a program receiving federal funds while employed for the school district.  KLTV reports that according to court documents, Looney embezzled the funds between 2017 and 2023. 
Looney faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a potential fine, and mandatory restitution to Trinidad ISD for the funds he stole, according to KLTV. 
Following the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled. Before pleading guilty, Looney worked with the Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to liquidate his assets and preserve them for the restitution he will be ordered to pay upon his sentencing. The full restitution judgment will be collectible for 20 years after the termination of Looney’s incarceration. 
Trinidad ISD Superintendent Matt Mizell told The Monitor, “TISD is pleased that the embezzlement case has been presented to the federal court. The district regrets that this took place, but is pleased that through the efforts of our team the school will be receiving restitution.” 
“This will take some time through the legal process, but our school and most importantly our students will be the recipients of the funds to further the school’s efforts to provide them with the best educational experience possible,” Mizell stated.