Turmoil in Texas Attorney General's Office
On Thursday, seven deputies to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to the head of the agency’s human resources department disclosing that they had “reported to an appropriate law enforcement authority a potential violation of law” by Paxton.
As the Austin-American Statesman reported:
Top aides of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have asked federal law enforcement authorities to investigate allegations of improper influence, abuse of office, bribery and other potential crimes against the state’s top lawyer. . . .
The Thursday letter said that each “has knowledge of facts relevant to these potential offenses and has provided statements concerning those facts to the appropriate law enforcement.”
Paxton, a 57-year-old Republican, was first elected in 2014. His office said in a statement Saturday evening: “The complaint filed against Attorney General Paxton was done to impede an ongoing investigation into criminal wrongdoing by public officials including employees of this office. Making false claims is a very serious matter and we plan to investigate this to the fullest extent of the law.”
The statement did not elaborate.
Among those signing the letter was First Assistant Attorney General Jeff Mateer, who has since resigned his position. Mateer was previously nominated to a federal district court by President Trump, but his nomination was subsequently withdrawn. According to the Statesman, the letter’s other signatories “notified human resources to protect their jobs” as whistleblowers.
Today the Dallas Morning News reports:
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he was concerned by allegations that Attorney General Ken Paxton broke state and federal laws related to bribery and abuse of office.
“These allegations raise serious concerns. I will withhold further comment until the results of any investigation are complete,” Abbott said in a statement Sunday. . . .
It is unclear whether the potential illegal conduct mentioned in the letter is related to a previous federal indictment of AG Paxton. Those charges are still pending and Paxton has consistently maintained his innocence.
More from the Dallas Morning News:
Deputy First Assistant Attorney General Ryan L. Bangert, one of the top employees who signed the whistleblower letter, sent out an agency-wide email Sunday telling employees that the agency’s top staff remain focused on their work.
“In light of recent events reported in the media, I write to assure you that the executive team remains committed to serving you, this office, and the people of Texas. The work we do together makes a difference every day in the lives of our fellow citizens,” the email read, according to a copy obtained by The News. “Together, we owe a duty to this office and the people of the State, who we serve, to ensure the agency continues its important work without interruption.
“Your work, your sacrifice, and your dedication to this office inspire us all.”
Source: https://reason.com/2020/10/04/turmoil-in-texas-attorney-generals-office/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).