Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has agreed to apologize and pay $3.3 million in taxpayer money to four former staffers who accused him of corruption, igniting an ongoing FBI investigation. The three-term Republican made no admission of wrongdoing.
The payout would not come from Paxton’s own pocket but from state funds, which means it would still require approval by the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature.
Settlement of the case, which Paxton’s office fought in court for years, means he will avoid sitting for a civil deposition at a time when a corruption investigation by federal agents and prosecutors remains open. In turn, the attorney general’s office agreed to remove an October 2020 news release from its website that decries Paxton’s accusers and to issue the statement of contrition to former staffers David Maxwell, Ryan Vassar, Mark Penley and James Blake Brickman.
The settlement also prevents Paxton from seeking the withdrawal of a 2021 appeals court ruling that state whistleblower law applies to the attorney general.The agreement does not include any provisions limiting the ability of Paxton’s accusers to make public statements or cooperate with federal investigators.
The deal comes more than two years after Paxton’s staff accused him of misusing his office to help Austin real estate developer Nate Paul, whose business was also under federal investigation. The allegations centered on Paxton hiring an outside lawyer to investigate Paul’s claims of misconduct by the FBI.In the wake of the revolt,
found that Paxton’s agency has come unmoored, with seasoned lawyers quitting over practices they say slant legal work, reward loyalists and drum out dissent.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
FBI HQ disavows FBI field office intel report targeting 'Radical Traditionalist Catholics'EXCLUSIVE — FBI headquarters distanced itself from a local field office’s intelligence report that warned about the alleged connection between “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists” and “radical-traditionalist Catholics.”
Les mer »
Remembering Jeff Blackburn: Texas attorney who exonerated dozens, exposed Tulia drug bustAs founder of the Innocence Project of Texas, his efforts scams and shams involving numerous arrests and convictions. None bigger than his work in Tulia.
Les mer »
Pa. Attorney General charges five more Jehovah’s Witnesses with sexual abuseAmong the accused is a 44-year-old Witness elder who told one of his victims -- a 10-year-old girl -- that she was 'tempting men.'
Les mer »
Marijuana seeds, a dog witness: 5 colorful memories from Texas attorney Jeff Blackburn's lifeBlackburn was best known for his work unraveling a massive drug sting in the tiny West...
Les mer »
Missouri attorney general launches investigation into children's hospital's transgender centerMissouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced on Thursday that his office launched a multi-agency investigation into St. Louis Children’s Hospital's Pediatric Transgender Center.
Les mer »
Rori Harmon paces No. 20 Texas women to win over Texas TechCypress Creek graduate Rori Harmon had a double-double as No. 20 Texas defeated Texas...
Les mer »