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: Newly released texts, emails reveal little about UH rape suspect's release
13 Investigates recently received texts and emails from University of Houston police in the days after a "brutal and vicious" rape on campus in February, but they don't reveal much.
City of Houston sues Montrose complex visited by police 446 times last year
After years of monitoring conditions at a Montrose apartment complex, the City of Houston filed a lawsuit against the owners of 1901 Richmond Avenue.
13 Investigates: City of Houston sues Montrose apartment complex over crime concerns
13 Investigates learned the City of Houston filed a nuisance lawsuit against an apartment complex on Richmond Avenue, citing "the seriousness and frequency of crime" as a concern.
13 Investigates: Houston hustles to fix freeways, boarded-up buildings before World Cup
13 Investigates what infrastructure projects the City of Houston is prioritizing ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that's expected to draw in millions of visitors from around the world.
13 Investigates what HPD leaders told internal affairs during probe into suspended code scandal
Nearly a year after requesting documents into the Houston Police Department's suspended code scandal, 13 Investigates is learning what top HPD leaders told internal affairs.
13 Investigates: Houston pays 23% of claims related to police accidents, damage
More than 300 people filed HPD-related claims with the city since 2024, but a13 Investigates analysis of those claims shows just 23% get paid out.
Generous ABC13 viewer pays off tax bill for woman who owed $35,000
A 13 Investigates report into property tax disparities inspired an anonymous donor to pay off a Houston woman's $35,000 tax bill.
13 Investigates why some homeowners are paying more in property taxes
The 13 Investigates team is looking at the numbers to see who is paying more in property taxes, and what they uncovered may surprise.
Audit finds USPS delayed security upgrades in Houston, putting some mail 'vulnerable to theft'
13 Investigates digs into the latest USPS security failures as a federal audit shows missing master keys, unsecured mailboxes, and thousands of Houston residents' mail at risk.
Advocates say HISD makes enrolling hard for criminally-charged youth
13 Investigates found Houston ISD is making it difficult for some students involved in the juvenile justice system to enroll, even if it's at an alternative campuses.