Five people who are or have been employed with a Houston school district were arrested for allegedly orchestrating a $1 million teacher certification scheme, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced.

During a news conference Tuesday, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said five people have been charged with two counts each of engaging in organized criminal activity, and first and third-degree felony charges that can carry sentences ranging from two years to life imprisonment.

The scheme involved a teacher impersonator taking the exam in front of a corrupt testing proctor, according to Ogg. Once the exam was complete, the proctor allowed the impersonator to turn in the exam using the actual applicant’s name, she said.

More than 200 unqualified teachers were certified through this scheme, and all of them have either practiced or are practicing in Texas public schools, Ogg said.

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