Texas AG Ken Paxton Cuts Deal To End Securities Fraud Charges

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has agreed to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution under a deal that resolves criminal securities fraud charges that have followed the Republican since he took office nearly a decade ago, reported Juan A. Lozano and Jun Vertuno for the Associated Press (AP).

Paxton, indicted in 2015, has never been closer to trial over accusations that he misled investors in a tech startup near Dallas. I Illustration: DonkeyHotey Flickr

The announcement by special prosecutors in a Houston courtroom came less than three weeks before Paxton was scheduled to stand trial on felony charges, which carried a potential prison sentence if convicted.

Paxton, indicted in 2015, has never been closer to trial over accusations that he misled investors in a tech startup near Dallas.

Under the 18-month pre-trial agreement, the special prosecutors agreed to drop three felony counts against Paxton. As part of the deal, Paxton must pay full restitution to victims, complete 100 hours of community service, and undergo 15 hours of legal ethics education.

Paxton was present in the courtroom but made no comment, aside from affirming to state District Judge Andrea Beall that his signature was on the agreement. Had he been convicted at trial, Paxton could have faced a life sentence in prison.

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