[ad_1]
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (right) is under FBI investigation over allegations of bribery and abuse of power to aid real estate developer and wealthy donor, two sources have said unidentified. The Associated Press.
Several former Paxton staff have accused him of using his office to benefit Nate Paul, the AP notes. Four former staff members filed a whistleblower costume against Paxton, saying they denounced the state official for hiring an outside lawyer to investigate Paul’s allegations that the FBI improperly searched his home and offices last year.
Since the Paxton report, each of these staff members have either been fired, resigned or put on leave. Whistleblowers who filed the complaint last week said they were facing retaliation from Paxton.
Paxton, however, told the Austin American-statesman Tuesday that “after examining the claims of former employees of this office, their claims are exaggerated, based on assumptions, and to a large extent distort the facts.”
It is not known how far the FBI investigation has progressed, according to the AP. A spokesperson for the office declined to comment to the press service.
Philip Hidler, a criminal defense attorney for Paxton, also declined to comment on the AP. The Hill has contacted Paxton’s office for comment.
The extent of Paxton’s connection with Paul is still unclear, the AP notes. Paul reportedly donated $ 25,000 to Paxton’s 2018 re-election campaign and recently said in a deposition that Paxton recommended a woman work for him.
Two anonymous sources previously told the AP that Paxton admitted to having an affair with the woman. Paxton’s office apparently did not respond to a request for comment at the time this claim was made.
[ad_2]
Source link