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
13 Investigates: Texts between Texas leader, CenterPoint show state's frustration
As CenterPoint tries to rebuild trust with its customers, 13 Investigates is learning it wasn't just frustrated residents who couldn't get answers from the company.
Dozens charged in bail bond scheme involving violent offenders
More than 50 people were charged this week as part of an FBI investigation into a bail bond scheme where accused violent offenders allegedly used falsified documents to get out of jail on bonds they likely couldn't afford.
13 Investigates gets inside look power poles of the 'future'
Resilient Structures says the company's composite poles that it previously sold to CenterPoint are still standing after Hurricane Beryl.
13 Investigates why some nursing facilities still don't have power
Four days after the storm, 13 Investigates spoke with 41 of the 98 nursing homes in Harris County and found 25% were still without power Thursday morning.
13 Investigates: CenterPoint admits 'clearly more needs to be done'
In an interview with 13 Investigates, CenterPoint Energy admits not enough resiliency work was done heading into the category one hurricane that left millions of people without power this week.
Building that collapsed into yards demolished after 13 Investigates history of code violations
13 Investigates the history of complaints against a dilapidated building after one of its walls came crashing down into residential yards during the May storm.
13 Investigates: Residents annoyed by neighbor's 'junk' yard get meeting with El Lago leaders
Residents complained about their neighbor's yard filled with loose items for years. They finally got a meeting with El Lago leaders after 13 Investigates started asking questions.
13 Investigates learns more Houston-area homes are repeatedly flooding
13 Investigates found Harris County is a hotspot when it comes to how many homes repeatedly experience flooding.
Cleveland homeowner says Northside Elementary School construction changed water flow, flooded yard
A Cleveland homeowner says when the school district cleared the forest behind his home for a new campus, it changed the neighborhood's water flow and caused his yard to flood during storms.
13 Investigates: Districts still need more officers as law calls for one per campus
13 Investigates found Texas school districts are still competing with one another for qualified police officers to meet House Bill 3's mandate for one armed person per campus.