Former Law School Assistant Dean Facing Theft and Sexual Conduct Charges

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Edward Rene, a former assistant dean of admissions at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, has faced multiple legal issues in recent years. In 2020, Rene was charged with theft due to an alleged scholarship scam. In December 2022, Rene was charged with additional crimes involving allegations of inducing a minor to engage in sexual acts. The new charges were filed in the Harris County District Court, and evidence, including photos, was cited in the charging documents. The minor was not connected to Texas Southern University.

Texas Southern University confirmed that Rene was terminated from his position in 2019 after the initial theft allegations. The university was not aware of any other illegal conduct at that time. Dan Cogdell, listed as Rene’s defense lawyer, did not respond to an interview request.

Regarding the theft charges, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received complaints from two law students who claimed Rene offered them tuition scholarships and received additional funds over the amounts. The students reported that Rene directed them to reimburse the overage amounts in the form of checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders payable to him.

  

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In 2017, the council of the ABA’s Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar found the law school to be non-compliant with Standard 301(a) and Standard 309(b), which address academic programs, support, and admissions provisions detailed in Standard 501. An internal investigation into the school revealed that an admissions officer admitted students who were not qualified in exchange for kickbacks. The investigation did not name the admissions officer.

Joan Bullock, the law school’s former dean who started her position while Rene was working in the admissions office, sued the university in 2022. She alleged that she was terminated by the school, stripped of tenure without cause, and denied due process. The case remains ongoing, and the public awaits updates on its outcome

The multiple legal issues surrounding the law school and its former staff members have raised questions about the administration and compliance with academic and legal standards. As the case moves forward, the public will continue to await updates on the outcome of these charges.

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After theft charges, former law school assistant dean accused of sexual conduct with minor