Tech CEO denies role in $22M kickback scheme as scope of LAUSD corruption becomes clear
By Daniel Farr
Published on April 18, 2026.
Texas tech CEO, Gautham Sampath, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges related to money laundering and conflict-of-interest violations tied to public contracts. Sampath allegedly partnered with former LAUSD IT project manager, Hong "Grace" Peng, who allegedly directed over $22 million in contracts to Sampath's company, Innive, while Peng secretly benefited from the arrangement. In return, Sampath is accused of transferring more than $3 million back to Peng through a web of intermediaries to conceal the payments. The case is set to go to a June hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to move the case towards trial. The scandal has also led to the resignation of Peng from the district in 2022.
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