Barbie Robinson, former Harris County Public Health executive director, charged

HOUSTON - Barbie Robinson, the former executive director of Harris County Public Health, is facing a felony charge in an alleged bid rigging scheme.

Court records show Robinson is charged with misuse of official information, which is a third degree felony. She could face two to 10 years in the penitentiary with a possible $10,000 fine.

Robinson, who was fired earlier this year, is accused of using her position to benefit IBM by sharing non-public information and helping the company win contracts without competing bids.

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According to District Attorney Kim Ogg, money intended for COVID recovery, also known as the American Rescue Plan, were funds obtained from taxpayers funneled by federal government to Harris County. Ogg claims instead of the funds being spent through a fair bidding process, Robinson funneled around $30 million to IBM.

"When taxpayers are treated like suckers by somebody who sneaks around a well-established procurement process, it can be criminal," Ogg said.

The investigation began after she was fired by the county administrator over conflicting contracts and other statements.

Ogg says after her appointment, she drew on a business relationship with IBM, a company she was involved with in Sonoma Valley. A program she spearheaded there was meant to be brought to Harris County, however Robinson selected IBM early on before the process began for the contract.

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The former executive director shared information with IBM, which made them more informed than other competitors for the contract proposal, DA Ogg claims.

A software designed by IBM compiled the information of Harris County patients and it is unclear what was done with that information, as much of it was confidential.

The investigation into this scheme is ongoing.