Mayor Whitmire Releases Statement on Sentencing of Former Midtown Redevelopment Authority Official

Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who has vowed to eliminate waste and corruption, was pleased to see accountability for the crimes of Todd Edwards, a former Midtown Redevelopment Authority official. Edwards received a 10-year sentence after confessing to stealing taxpayer money that was supposed to be used for affordable housing in the Third Ward. Edwards, who pleaded guilty in April to theft and money laundering, was sentenced at the 183rd District Court.

Please attribute the following statement to Mayor John Whitmire.

"I am glad to see accountability in the case of Todd Edwards, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for theft, money laundering and misusing public funds. Corruption has no place in the City of Houston or in any entity entrusted with public dollars.

"Since I was sworn in as mayor, one of my top priorities has been eliminating waste, duplication and corruption. My administration identified the corruption at the Midtown Redevelopment Authority and brought it to the Harris County District Attorney's Office. I thank the District Attorney's Office for its work to bring this case to justice and hold accountable anyone who violates the public trust.

"When I took office, I made changes to the board of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, which is now focused on improving this important corridor of Houston. Houstonians deserve confidence and trust in their government. Houston is moving in the right direction, and I ask anyone who sees corruption or a conflict of interest in city government to report it to my office."