Houston Man Charged With Selling Fraudulent Disabled Parking Placards on Social Media

HOUSTON, Texas – A Houston-area man has been charged with a felony after investigators say he sold fraudulent disabled parking placards through social media.

According to Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, 28-year-old David T. Brown was arrested by detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations and Tax Office Investigations Unit.

Investigators allege Brown advertised permanent disability parking placards for sale online and altered the permits by adding driver’s license numbers and other information to make them appear legitimate.

Disabled parking placards, which are issued by the State of Texas at no cost, allow qualified individuals to park in designated accessible spaces and receive exemptions from parking meter fees.

Authorities said Brown sold the placards for $150 each.

Brown has been charged with Tampering with a Governmental Record, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.

Investigators determined that the placards seized during the investigation were not assigned through the Harris County Tax Office, which is responsible for issuing legitimate disabled parking permits in the county.

Authorities are continuing to investigate how Brown obtained the placards and who may have purchased them.

Constable Rosen said individuals who knowingly use illegally obtained disability placards could also face criminal charges, including misdemeanor offenses that may carry fines, jail time, and community service requirements.

“Aside from being against the law, this is wrong on many other levels,” Rosen said. “Disabled parking is for people who are truly disabled and have a legally issued permit.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding Brown or the alleged scheme is encouraged to contact Harris County Precinct One investigators at (713) 755-5200.