Court date again moved for accused test-taker in teacher certification cheating scandal

The court date has been moved once again for the man police believe is responsible for taking multiple teacher certification tests in a statewide cheating scandal.

Nicolas Newton, 35, appeared in court today, but his court date was pushed back until Feb. 26. He has been charged with two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity for his role in the scandal.

MORE INFO: Houston ISD Asst. Principal, alleged test-taker in teacher certification cheating scandal has court date moved

Newton served as an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School, a Houston ISD campus. Vincent Grayson, who is accused of being the ringleader of the operation, was the head basketball coach at the same school.

Newton’s attorney, Feroz Merchant, reiterated his client’s innocence and said he is prepared to take the case to trial.

“The reality is that we all have a presumption of innocence if we’ve pled not guilty of the offense,” Merchant said. “The burden of proof is with the state, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Newton’s bond has been set at $25,000.