Texas Legislature

Federal Grand Jury Is Summoned In San Antonio

A federal grand jury has been summoned in San Antonio and has called witnesses close to the suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to an Austin American-Statesman report. 

The witness’s identities and the focus of the inquiry remain unclear. One of Paxton’s lawyers, Dan Cogdell, in an unrelated court hearing last week said that Paxton is under a federal investigation as well for alleged abuse of office. 

In October 2020, a federal investigation into Paxton began after several of his top deputies went to the FBI and alleged that Paxton had committed crimes. Including bribery in the course of his friendship with Austin real estate developer Nate Paul, who was indicted on eight counts of federal mortgage fraud. 

In February, prosecutors based at the Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C., took over the case, which is typical for high-profile investigations of public corruption.

Paul is also at the center of allegations surrounding the suspended Paxton. Paul’s relationship with Paxton was called into question by the whistleblowers. They made claims that Paxton aided Paul in the federal investigation and in return he received a home remodel and employment for the woman who he allegedly had an affair with.  

While the origins of their relationship remain unclear, Paul donated $25,000 to Paxton’s campaign in 2018. 

It remains unclear if Paul is cooperating with investigators in the Paxton case. One of his criminal defense attorneys did not respond to a request for comment Thursday, according to an Austin American-Statesman

Paxton is accused of bribery, abuse of office and obstruction of justice. He denies any misconduct. The three-term incumbent was impeached by the Texas House on May 27, by a vote of 121-23 and is currently suspended without pay.

He currently faces 20 articles of impeachment and has filed motions to dismiss almost all of them. The trial is due to start on Sept. 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

Atirikta Kumar, Texas Tribune

Atirikta Kumar (@AtiriktaKumar) is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science at the University of Houston. Atirikta is passionate about writing about the criminal justice system and issues in order to inform the public about their communities and politics. She also writes for her college newspaper, The Cougar.

Recent Posts

For their walkout, Texas Democrats get national attention — and partisan retribution at home

When Texas House Democrats returned to the Capitol after walking out over the GOP’s new…

15 hours ago

Black Bear Sightings Confirmed in East Texas, TPWD Issues Guidance

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has verified several black bear sightings across East…

2 days ago

Elon Musk Reportedly Pauses Effort to Launch Political Party

Elon Musk is stepping back from his push to form a new political party, according…

3 days ago

Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas’ newly drawn congressional seats

With Texas’ new congressional map on the verge of full passage, local elected Republican officials…

4 days ago

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Paxton aide turned foe, to run for Texas attorney general

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, announced a run for Texas attorney general Thursday, joining a…

5 days ago

Conservative Groups Fund Drive to Place Ten Commandments in Texas Schools

Starting September 1, every Texas public school classroom will be required to display a poster…

5 days ago

This website uses cookies.