Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Securities Fraud Trial Scheduled for April 15, Following Eight-Year Delay and Recent Impeachment Acquittal

Paxton accused of defrauding investors in a tech startup a decade ago, faces potential five to 99-year prison sentence if convicted.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is scheduled to stand trial on securities fraud charges on April 15, 2024, more than eight years after being indicted. The case originated from allegations that Paxton duped investors into a tech startup, Servergy, around 2011 without disclosing he was being compensated to recruit them.
Paxton pleaded not guilty to two counts of securities fraud, a first-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 99 years in prison, and one count of failing to register with state securities regulators, a third-degree felony with a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The trial, initially meant to take place in Paxton's native Collin County, was moved to Harris County following pretrial disputes. The case has been continually delayed due to various factors, including the venue dispute.
Despite facing the felony charges, Paxton has won re-election twice since his indictment and has continued to be a strong figure in the Texas GOP. The trial's scheduling came shortly after Paxton was acquitted on impeachment charges, where he was accused of using his office for the benefit of a political donor.
In addition to the securities fraud charges, Paxton is also under an ongoing federal investigation as allegations of bribery and abuse of office persist. Paxton has been accused of misusing his office to aid a real estate developer and significant campaign donor.