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Ken Paxton May Avoid Trial with Plea Deal on Securities Fraud Charges

The Texas Attorney General is in discussions for a plea agreement that could drop felony charges in exchange for community service and restitution, ahead of his April trial.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leaves the courtroom after appearing for the eight-year-old felony securities fraud case against him at Harris County Courthouse on Aug. 3, 2023, in Houston.
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Overview

  • Talks are underway to drop felony securities fraud charges against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in exchange for community service, restitution, and advanced legal education classes.
  • The plea deal discussions come weeks before Paxton's trial, scheduled for April 15, on charges of defrauding investors and failing to register with the state securities board.
  • Paxton has been under indictment since 2015 but has maintained his innocence, attributing the charges to political adversaries.
  • The proposed agreement would likely prevent Paxton from having to enter a plea, potentially keeping the case from going to trial.
  • Paxton's legal troubles extend beyond the securities fraud case, including a federal investigation and a whistleblower lawsuit related to abuse of power allegations.