Houston, February 19, 2026
Four individuals, including two ex-employees of the Harris County Tax Office, have been charged in connection with a fraudulent vehicle registration scheme. They are implicated in nearly 200 fraudulent transactions that bypassed standard vehicle inspection and legal requirements, allegedly promoted on social media. The investigation led to serious public-corruption charges, with two defendants arrested and one still at large, as authorities highlight the importance of internal controls in uncovering the operation.
Houston.
Four Individuals Charged in Alleged Vehicle Registration Scheme
Four individuals, including two former Harris County Tax Office employees and two local business owners, have been charged in an alleged fraudulent vehicle registration scheme, authorities announced recently. The public-corruption charges stem from an investigation into nearly 200 alleged fraudulent transactions related to vehicle registrations.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
The alleged scheme involved issuing vehicle registrations with claims of “no inspection needed”, bypassing standard vehicle inspection requirements for obtaining registration stickers, proof of insurance, and other legal requirements. This operation was reportedly promoted on social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook, advertising the ability to quickly process vehicle paperwork without meeting standard requirements. The accusations state that the former tax office staff collaborated with the owners of a local company, Bella’s Multiservices, in this illicit operation. Investigators allege the business owners paid tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to the former tax office employees.
Ongoing Investigation and Charges
Constable Alan Rosen of Harris County Constable Precinct 1 made the announcement regarding these public-corruption charges. The four defendants charged are former tax office employees Renisha T. Wilkins, 35, and Sarah A. Anderson, 31, along with Oswaldo Perez, 51, and Adriana De La Rosa, 43, the owners of Bella’s Multiservices, a South Houston vehicle title-service company. Wilkins, Anderson, and De La Rosa have been arrested, while Perez remains a fugitive. The two tax office employees were reportedly fired in April 2024. Each defendant faces two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, which are first-degree felonies. The Harris County Tax Office stated that its internal controls played a critical role in bringing these allegations to light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who has been charged in the alleged vehicle registration scheme?
A: Four individuals, including two former Harris County Tax Office employees and two local business owners, have been charged in the alleged vehicle registration scheme.
Q: What are the individuals accused of?
A: The individuals are accused of participating in an alleged fraudulent vehicle registration scheme involving nearly 200 alleged fraudulent transactions, issuing vehicle registrations with claims of “no inspection needed,” bypassing standard vehicle inspection requirements, proof of insurance, and other legal requirements, promoted on social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook, and allegedly paying tens of thousands of dollars in bribes.
Q: How many fraudulent transactions are alleged?
A: Nearly 200 fraudulent transactions are alleged in connection with the scheme.
Q: What role did social media play in the scheme?
A: The alleged scheme was reportedly promoted on social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook, advertising the ability to quickly process vehicle paperwork without meeting standard requirements.
Q: Where did this alleged scheme take place?
A: This alleged scheme took place in Harris County, Houston.
Key Details of the Alleged Scheme
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Individuals Charged | Two former Harris County Tax Office employees (Renisha T. Wilkins, Sarah A. Anderson), two local business owners (Oswaldo Perez, Adriana De La Rosa) |
| Number of Alleged Fraudulent Transactions | Nearly 200 |
| Nature of Scheme | Fraudulent vehicle registration, including “no inspection needed” claims, bypassing proof of insurance and other legal requirements, allegedly promoted on TikTok and Facebook, involving bribery |
| Location | Harris County, Houston (specifically the Scarsdale branch of the Tax Office) |
| Charges | Public-corruption and felony charges (two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity per defendant) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
