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
Half of Houston ISD's uncertified teachers are at elementary schools, data shows
A 13 Investigates analysis of uncertified teachers' data shows that about half are at the elementary school level.
13 Investigates: Texas Railroad Commission spends $620K to plug abandoned Trinity Bay well
Since 13 Investigates and ABC News reported on abandoned oil wells, the Texas Railroad Commission has plugged three orphan wells in Trinity Bay.
Harris County District Attorney elect slams Kim Ogg's 'scorched Earth' exit
13 Investigates found donations made by the Harris County District Attorney's Office using a specific asset forfeiture fund increased this year as DA Kim Ogg prepares to leave office.
Police warn fake feds are scamming seniors out of life savings
Pasadena police are warning against a scam that starts with a pop-up on your computer after a woman gave $150,000 to someone posing as a federal employee promising to protect her money.
Just 55 postal inspectors in Texas as not-so-merry mail bandits strike
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is in charge of investigating thieves stealing your mail, but 13 Investigates found there's just 55 inspectors in Texas.
13 Investigates: 100 Texas teachers under review in 'ridiculous' cheating scandal
Prosecutors believe about 200 Texas teachers essentially paid for someone else to take their certification exams. Now, the TEA has released the names of 102 of those involved.
Just 265 charges filed as HPD almost done reviewing 260K suspended cases
Despite tens of thousands of Houston police cases reviewed after a suspended cases scandal in February, just 178 felony and 87 misdemeanor charges have been filed.
Houston carrier caught with 10k pieces of stolen mail among hundreds at USPS busted for theft
13 Investigates concerns about mail theft, with hundreds of USPS employees arrested nationwide, including carriers found with mail in their homes and personal vehicles.
13 Investigates: Neighbors elated as city demolishes dangerous building, decades-old 'eyesore'
Tim Goings and his neighbors celebrated as a dilapidated home was demolished by city crews after what they say were years of complaints.
13 Investigates: Have Harris County deputies found the key to cutting crime?
13 Investigates rides along with a Harris County sergeant as he shares how his specialty unit lowered crime in one of the county's most dangerous neighborhoods.