Sarah Rafique
She works closely with reporters to turn daily and long-term investigations that rely on government documents, open records requests and data analysis. She understands the importance of asking tough questions, holding local and state leaders accountable and amplifying voices of marginalized communities.
Sarah strives to not only uncover local issues, but also provide solutions and results for viewers.
Prior to joining KTRK, Sarah worked as an investigative reporter at KXAN, her hometown station in Austin, where she received three Lone Star Regional Emmys. Her investigation into improper billing by the state's TxTag program resulted in the Texas Department of Transportation cutting ties with its collection agency and waiving $1.3 billion in late fees for drivers.
Sarah is a first-generation American and Texas native, who previously worked for newspapers covering Fort Hood and West Texas.
Have a story that needs investigating? Or looking to share documents anonymously? Contact Sarah at Sarah.X.Rafique@abc.com or send a tip to the 13 Investigates team.
Sarah's Stories
'Where's my money?': City reviews towing refunds after 13 Investigates
The city is reviewing judgments in ParkHouston-related tow hearings to ensure drivers who won are paid what they are owed after 13 Investigates told the city about two drivers who received their refunds.
Jailers' body cameras were off during 2024 use-of-force on inmate, according to records
13 Investigates obtained disciplinary records that show body worn cameras for three Harris County jailers were not turned on during a 2024 use-of-force incident.
Former Houston ISD Chief Operating Officer still not sentenced in bribery case
It's been one year since a former HISD chief operating officer and a landscaping contractor were found guilty by a jury in federal court, but they haven't been sentenced yet.
Worker killed by flying equipment at southeast Houston plant: Lawsuit
An east Texas family is mourning the loss of a husband and father who was killed at a chemical plant in Houston two months ago.
Texas stops massage exam in Chinese, citing 'human trafficking'
The 13 Investigates team has been working for months to learn specifics about the state's decision to no longer allow the massage licensing exam in Simplified Chinese.
Texas Attorney General investigates solar panel companies in fight against fraud
The Texas Attorney General's Office says it is launching a "major initiative to combat widespread fraud" by companies selling solar panel systems.
'No ammunition': Customers say they feel silenced in water bill fight
Texas customers of a private water utility company say they're fighting back against proposed system improvement charges.
13 Investigates: SNAP errors could cost Texas taxpayers up to $773M
If Texas' error rate when processing SNAP applications doesn't improve, taxpayers could be on the hook for up to $773 million under a new federal law, according to our 13 Investigates analysis of USDA data.
Houstonian says online gambling as teen led to 'crippling' addiction
Online sports gambling is legal in 32 states and Washington, D.C., but Texas is not one of them. Even so, experts said many teenagers are still finding ways to place bets, likely using offshore, unregulated platforms.
Sugar Land USPS worker arrested, found with 66 envelopes of checks, according to police
After multiple reports of forged checks, Sugar Land police said the suspect was found in possession of 226 pieces of mail addressed to more than 50 different individuals.