HOUSTON – In recent years, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has encountered a series of legal challenges that have garnered significant attention.
Paxton, a Republican and star of the conservative legal movement, was suspended from office in May when the GOP-controlled House voted 121-23 to impeach him on 16 out of 20 articles ranging from bribery to abuse of public trust. Most of the articles were related to accusations Paxton used his office to benefit a wealthy donor, Nate Paul, prompting eight of the attorney general’s top deputies to report him to the FBI in 2020.
RELATED: Texas senators reach not guilty verdict in AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial
The impeachment trial lasted nine days before it was handed over to the Texas Senate for deliberations and voting on the 16 impeachments.
In a Houston courtroom on Tuesday, Paxton reached a settlement to resolve criminal securities fraud charges that have lingered over him for almost 10 years.
As part of the agreement, Paxton agreed to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution, marking a significant development in a case that has loomed over the Republican politician since his indictment in 2015.
RELATED: Texas AG Ken Paxton reaches deal to end securities fraud charges after 9 years
The announcement by special prosecutors comes shortly before Paxton was scheduled to face trial on felony charges, which could have resulted in a prison sentence. This marks the closest Paxton has been to trial regarding allegations of deceiving investors in a tech startup located near Dallas.
Under the terms of the 18-month agreement, the special prosecutors will dismiss three felony counts against Paxton if he fulfills several conditions. These conditions include paying full restitution to his victims, completing 100 hours of community service, and undertaking 15 hours of legal ethics education. A former special prosecutor noted that the likelihood of a conviction was uncertain, estimating it to be “50-50.”
Here’s a timeline of the notable events in Paxton’s criminal case:
- May 2014: Paxton Wins Attorney General Primary - Ken Paxton secures victory in the Republican primary for Texas Attorney General.
- November 2014: Paxton Elected Attorney General - Ken Paxton is elected as the Attorney General of Texas.
- July 2015: SEC Charges Paxton - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charges Paxton with civil securities fraud related to his actions before becoming attorney general. The charges stem from allegations that Paxton solicited investors without disclosing he would be compensated for it.
- August 2015: Paxton Pleads Not Guilty - Ken Paxton pleads not guilty to the SEC charges.
- April 2016: SEC Adds Criminal Charges - The SEC adds criminal charges against Paxton, alleging that he committed fraud by deceiving investors.
- May 2016: Paxton Appeals - Paxton appeals the criminal charges, arguing that they lack merit and should be dismissed.
- June 2016: Texas Bar Files Charges - The State Bar of Texas files disciplinary charges against Paxton for his conduct related to the securities fraud allegations.
- July 2016: Paxton Wins Primary - Despite the legal challenges, Ken Paxton wins the Republican primary for Attorney General.
- August 2016: Paxton Trial Delayed - Paxton’s criminal trial is delayed as his lawyers challenge the venue.
- March 2017: Criminal Trial Begins - Paxton’s criminal trial begins in Houston.
- April 2017: Mistrial Declared - A mistrial is declared in Paxton’s criminal trial due to a hung jury.
- September 2017: SEC Drops Civil Case - The SEC drops its civil case against Paxton.
- February 2018: Paxton Cleared - Paxton is cleared of the criminal charges after a jury finds him not guilty.
- June 2020: Paxton’s Staff Allegations - Seven of Paxton’s top aides accuse him of bribery and abuse of office, prompting an FBI investigation.
- October 2020: Paxton Re-Elected - Despite the ongoing controversies, Ken Paxton is re-elected as Texas Attorney General.
- December 2020: Paxton Sues States - Paxton files a lawsuit with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to overturn the presidential election results in four battleground states.
- June 2021: Staff Letter - Nearly all of Paxton’s top aides write a letter to federal authorities accusing him of using his office to benefit a political donor.
- November 2021: Paxton Indictment - Paxton is indicted on state securities fraud charges for the second time.
- December 2021: Paxton Pleads Not Guilty - Ken Paxton pleads not guilty to the new securities fraud charges.
- January 2022: Paxton Loses Staff - Several top aides to Paxton resign, citing concerns over his conduct.
- March 2022: Paxton Under Investigation - Reports surface that Paxton is under investigation by the Texas Bar Association over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
- March 2024: Paxton reached a settlement to resolve criminal securities fraud charges that have lingered over him for almost 10 years.
This chronology outlines the legal challenges faced by Paxton over the past several years, reflecting a complex and contentious legal journey.
READ MORE:
Texas senators acquit Attorney General Ken Paxton in impeachment trial
Ken Paxton’s wife, Angela Paxton, releases statement after husband acquitted in impeachment trial
Here’s a look at the 16 articles of impeachment and how senators voted