The owner of a school equipment company has admitted to defrauding the Fort Worth Independent School District. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Chad Meacham, announced that Virenkumar Patel, 33, who owns VR Group Promotions, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud.
Court documents reveal that in spring 2021, a principal from a Fort Worth ISD high school requested planners, notepads, and flash drives from Mr. Patel. Aware that district policy required three quotes before making purchases, Mr. Patel fabricated two competitor quotes along with one from his own company. The quote from VR Group Promotions was the lowest at $18,287 and was selected by the principal.
In winter 2022, another high school principal sought to purchase flash drives. Mr. Patel again created false competitor quotes and presented his company's quote as the lowest at $5,250, which was chosen by the principal.
In spring 2023, the first high school's principal reached out again for headphones, wireless chargers, and power banks. Once more, Mr. Patel produced fake competitor quotes and secured a selection for VR Group Promotion’s bid of $9,245.
Mr. Patel could face up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud he pleaded guilty to committing. His sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2025.
The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office with Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl handling prosecution duties.