Texas AG Ken Paxton Accused Of Abuse Of Power, Bribery: Report

AUSTIN, TX — Top aides of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are seeking a federal investigation of the state's top lawyer alleging a range of crimes including abuse of power and bribery, according to a published report.

The Austin-American Statesman secured a copy of a one-page letter seven of Paxton's aides sent to federal authorities asking for an investigation to be launched, the newspaper reported on Saturday. Sent on Thursday, the letter described how each of the accusers "...has knowledge of facts relevant to these potential offenses and has provided statements concerning those facts to the appropriate law enforcement," according to the report.

By Saturday evening, Paxton's office issued a statement in response: “The complaint filed against Attorney General Paxton was done to impede an ongoing investigation into criminal wrongdoing by public officials including employees of this office. Making false claims is a very serious matter, and we plan to investigate this to the fullest extent of the law.”

A member of the Republican Party, Paxton, 57, was elected in 2014. Separate from the newly emerged accusations, Paxton also faces criminal charges related to a probe into securities fraud in Collin County.

State Democrats were quick in their reaction to the report. Texas Democratic Paty Chair Gilberto Hinojosa, issued a statement in response to the allegations:

“Indicted Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is the top law enforcement official in the state. Yet, he has proven for years that he cannot follow the law himself. Ken Paxton is an admitted lawbreaker. He’s been investigated by the Texas Rangers, and currently on trial for criminal securities fraud. Now, he faces bribery and illegal conduct allegations from his own top aides.

“Texans are tired of Republican corruption and lawlessness that festers under their unchecked power. From voter suppression, to his attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and now these new allegations: Indicted Ken Paxton’s actions have been criminal, and the consequences are dire for the people of Texas.

“Texans deserve new leadership and they are demanding change. To bring change, every Texan must vote Democratic up and down the ballot in November. We’re not only in a battle to stop the pandemic and save our state, but to save our entire democracy.”

This is a developing story. Patch will update when more details are known.

>>> Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman