Topline
Ken Paxton, Texasâ impeached Republican attorney general, was accused Tuesday of abusing his power and covering up favors between him and indicted real estate developer Nate Paul, findings that arrived less than three weeks before Paxtonâs state Senate trial.
Key Facts
Among state House investigatorsâ findings, Paxton was accused of using his power as attorney general to hinder a federal investigation into Paul, who was indicted in June on eight felony counts of making false statements to financial institutions.
Paul was accused of hiring a woman at his firm in Austin so she and Paxton could more easily engage in an alleged extramarital affair.
Paxton was warned by staff members about Paul, whom they considered a âcon manâ who was trying to use the attorney generalâs office for his own benefit, according to investigators.
Investigators said Paxton became aware of an investigation into his behavior and, in response, attempted to conceal his relationship with Paul.
Paxton also allegedly received free renovations for his McKinney home from Paul.
Chief Critic
In a Wednesday statement reported by CBS, Paxtonâs lawyers described the fresh round of allegations as ânothing but a sham,â adding âit should end now.â
Big Number
30 years. Thatâs the max penalty each count of Paulâs indictment carries, in addition to fines up to $1 million for every charge.
Key Background
Paulâs alleged relationship with Paxton has been documented by investigators before. Paul was named multiple times in Paxtonâs 20 articles of impeachment from May. Those articles alleged Paxton used his power to help Paul fight a lawsuit and provided Paul with previously undisclosed information âfor the purpose of providing the information to the benefit of Nate Paul.â Paxton was impeached in May following an extensive investigation into his legal battles, which involved a whistleblower lawsuit alleging he improperly fired staffers after they accused him of criminal acts. Paxton settled the lawsuit for $3.3 million, asking state budget writers to help fund the payment. The request provoked an investigation from the GOP-led House investigating committee.
Further Reading
New allegations accuse Ken Paxton of working to hide relationship with Nate Paul (Texas Tribune)
Texas House Impeaches Attorney General Ken PaxtonâA Key Trump Defender (Forbes)