Back in 2020, Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law was rocked by a series of admissions scandals. In one of those scandals, Edward Rene, 57, the school’s former assistant dean of admissions, was charged with theft by a public servant, as part of an ill-advised scholarship scheme that netted him about $74,000. As part of that plan, Rene inflated scholarships for two students, and retained the excess funds. Five years have passed, and Rene was recently sentenced not just for felony theft from the school, but also for an unrelated charge of sexual performance by a minor.
Texas Lawyer has the lurid details on the second crime Rene pleaded guilty to last week:
On Jan. 31, 2023, Rene was charged with one count of sexual performance by a child, unrelated to his position at the law school.
Allegedly, on June 7, 2018, Rene, who knew the child was younger than 18 years of age, engaged in “sexual conduct and sexual performance” with “lewd exhibition of the genitals and a digital image that portrayed the complainant engaged in actual and simulated sexual intercourse.” According to the Dec. 21, 2022, charging document.
How AI Is Transforming The Legal Profession (2025)
A survey of professionals reveals the impact of legal work, clients, concerns, and future roles.
TSU issued a statement in the wake of Rene’s sentencing. “The University is pleased with the outcome of this case and commends the efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system in ensuring justice was served. This was the misconduct of one individual and does not reflect the values, culture, or commitment of the dedicated faculty, staff, and leadership at Texas Southern University. We remain steadfast in our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethics and accountability.”
“This case serves as a reminder of TSU’s firm commitment to transparency and to being responsible stewards of the public trust and resources provided by the State of Texas,” the statement continued. “Any employee who engages in financial impropriety will face appropriate consequences through legal and institutional processes. Texas Southern University remains focused on its mission of excellence in education, public service, and integrity in all operations.”
Rene will serve eight years behind bars, and must pay TSU more than $177,000 in restitution.
Ex-TSU Assistant Law Admissions Dean Sentenced to 8 Years Over Sexual Acts With a Minor, Theft [Texas Lawyer]
How Strong Is Your Firm’s Financial Visibility?
Discover how to gain more control over your firm’s finances and unlock smarter growth strategies—take a quick financial visibility quiz designed for law firms.
Earlier: Law School Dean Charged With Theft In Scholarship Scandal
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.