Abbott Orders Criminal Investigation Into Texas Southern University's Finances

HOUSTON, TX — A state audit has uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars in unauthorized invoices at Texas Southern University, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott to call for a criminal investigation and a freeze on state funding to the historically black institution.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Monday urged Abbott to halt appropriations to TSU and asked the Texas Rangers to investigate after State Auditor Lisa Collier reported finding thousands of questionable invoices totaling more than $400 million.

According to Collier’s letter to the Legislative Audit Committee, auditors identified 743 invoices worth about $282.2 million linked to vendors with expired contracts and 8,144 invoices totaling roughly $158 million dated before their requisitions. The report also noted the university submitted its 2023 financial audit 10 months late and its 2024 audit four months past the deadline.

Patrick said the findings suggest “the misuse of state funds” and that those responsible — including employees and contractors — should be held accountable. He added that the legislature had previously attempted to help the university address accounting and contracting issues but “appears to have been misled” about improvements.

Patrick said he will work with House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Abbott to revoke TSU’s appropriations using “budget execution language.”

In a statement, Texas Southern University said it had already taken corrective action before the audit’s interim report was released.

“Texas Southern University has cooperated with the state auditor in evaluating our processes,” a university spokesperson said. “The University enacted corrective measures prior to the release of the interim report, including a new procurement system.”

The Legislative Audit Committee, which oversees such audits, includes Patrick, Burrows, Sens. Joan Huffman and Robert Nichols, and Reps. Greg Bonnen and Morgan Meyer.

TSU said it will continue working with the state auditor “to ensure transparency for all taxpayers of Texas.”