A Los Angeles School District IT employee is facing accusations of embezzling millions from the district, allegedly receiving substantial kickbacks, with incriminating text messages that may lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
Prosecutors have obtained a text conversation between LAUSD employee Hong “Grace” Peng and Gautham Sampath that the California Post considers vital evidence.
In the text exchange, Sampath, CEO of Texas-based tech firm Innive, asks Peng, “What r the other opportunities in LAUSD. That we can exploit,” to which Peng replies, “Yea, a lot of them.”
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman claims that Peng collaborated with Sampath in a scheme that awarded more than $22 million in contracts to Sampath’s company from 2018 to 2022.
Sampath allegedly funneled and laundered over $3 million in kickbacks back to Peng through various intermediaries, Hochman states.
The criminal complaint indicates that Innive received payments exceeding $39 million from LAUSD between 2017 and 2023.
The text messages suggest that Sampath and Peng were aware of their wrongdoing. Sampath wrote on February 18, 2018, “Delete all watsup chats… if anyone sees the text about these internal things it will be a prb.”
Later that year, Peng sent a message to Sampath, saying, “Let’s grab these money first.. Its already in the pocket. Low hanging fruits… let’s get these money… It’ll be good for us.”
The complaint details multiple payments to different companies owned by Sampath. The two also discussed creating additional entities.
Sampath suggested, “We need to come up with lot of companies,” adding, “at least 3-4 to take out the money… Close to million will be transferred to you… Easy to track unless we are very careful.”
Peng replied, “Should we start another company under a different name?… I can setup a company in HK… China… or Singapore.”
In a June 2018 text, Peng allegedly discussed billing practices, telling Sampath, “I have a way to get those money. Can load them up more work, then charge more hours.”
Peng faces charges of money laundering and having a financial interest in a government contract or purchase, with two felony counts against her.
Sampath is charged with four felonies, including money laundering, having a financial interest in a contract or purchase made in an official capacity, and aiding and abetting a government official to have a financial interest in a contract.
During the announcement of the charges, Hochman presented an email in which Peng told Sampath, “Youre’ so lucky Im on the selection committee.”
Sampath replied, “Why did you say Innvie is lucky?” Peng answered, “Because you have me… I broke all law for you already lol.”
The complaint also reveals that Peng falsely certified that she had not received or been promised any royalties, gifts, or gratuities from anyone contracting with LAUSD.
If convicted, both Peng and Sampath could face up to seven years in state prison.
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