Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Late yesterday, news broke that the Texas Rangers have compiled evidence that Attorney General Ken Paxton was deeply involved in securities law violations that rise to the level of a first degree felony. That is big trouble, and Ken Paxton knows it. That’s why his office released a statement attacking the prosecutors without a single substantive response to the charges against him.
WFAA Channel 8 reported that prosecutors assigned to the Paxton case will present new evidence to the Collin County Grand Jury detailing that Paxton engaged in criminal activity involving over $100,000. If indicted and convicted, Paxton could face punishment of up to life in prison.
The Lone Star Project has researched and reported on Paxton’s legal troubles for over a year. To get caught up on Paxton’s ongoing criminal saga – from his admission to violating state securities laws to the formal criminal complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney involving his sleazy land flip – go to our Paxton Corruption page here.
Questions for Paxton, and other Republicans remain unanswered
With Paxton’s legal scandal growing and new charges expected, there are two big questions that need to be asked and answered:
- Who is paying Paxton’s criminal legal expenses?
Yesterday’s news also noted that Ken Paxton has hired former federal district judge Joe Kendall to represent him. We don’t know yet just how Kendall is being paid. Rick Perry tried to get away with using taxpayer money to cover criminal legal costs, and only backed down after overwhelming criticism. Does Paxton also intend to use taxpayer funds?
And, if he’s not using taxpayer money, will Paxton tap his campaign account to cover legal bills? Why should Paxton’s political donors be asked to cover legal expenses for crimes committed to enrich himself?
- What do Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick have to say about their political ally and our state’s attorney general facing potential first degree felony charges?
Ken Paxton followed Greg Abbott as state attorney general. They are political allies and if Paxton is forced to leave office early, Abbott will have to appoint his successor. As attorney general, Greg Abbott condemned the type of crimes that Paxton had admitted committing. When questioned about the Paxton scandal, Abbott pleads ignorance on the charges, but “coddles” Paxton with praise and support. Texans deserve to hear specifically what their Governor thinks about the facts of the case and what his intentions would be if Paxton is forced to leave office.
Similarly, Dan Patrick and Paxton are ideological soul-mates who both came to power by vilifying primary opponents and appealing to tea party Republicans. Just last week, in a clear play to stir up tea party activists, Patrick and Paxton coordinated the request and delivery of an advisory opinion on marriage equality. Texans deserve to know if Dan Patrick will stand behind Ken Paxton. Does he plan to initiate any oversight within the state Senate on the Attorney General’s office? Will he continue to seek legal advice from an embattled attorney general who may soon face indictment?
Paxton crimes + Abbott/Patrick irresponsibility = Texas hurting
The fallout for Ken Paxton’s legal problems is more than just bad news for Ken Paxton. It is a big problem for all Texans. We are stuck with an Attorney General – our highest ranking law enforcement official – who will be fighting for not only his political survival but to stay out of prison. We are so far stuck with a Governor and Lt. Governor who are hiding out and unwilling to talk honestly or openly about the legal crisis broiling within the Attorney General’s office. Meanwhile the real needs of hardworking Texans take a back seat to corruption.
Stay tuned. More illegal actions and bad actors will come to light.
