March 22, 2024      2:55 PM

Statesman: Paxton could have criminal charges dropped in Houston

Special prosecutors would excuse security fraud charges for community service and as much as $400,000 in restitution, Statesman reports

The scoop via Tony Plohetski and Hogan Gore at the Austin American-Statesman:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is nearing a resolution to the 9-year-old securities fraud charges that have dogged his tenure as the state's top attorney through a special agreement with prosecutors, the American-Statesman has learned. Under a draft agreement, prosecutors would dismiss felony charges against Paxton if he successfully completes the terms of the deal, according to three sources familiar with the negotiations.

The sources, with knowledge of the discussions between Paxton's legal team and prosecutor Brian Wice, a Houston attorney appointed to handle the case, said the terms could include community service, advanced legal education classes and a six-figure restitution, among other possible punishment. Two sources said the restitution could be between $300,000 and $400,000.

Under the conditions, Paxton likely would not have to formally enter a plea but must not violate any law for an extended period. Paxton, a 61-year-old Republican, could have faced up to 99 years in prison if convicted. Such agreements generally do not require a judge's approval, underscoring the wide authority that Texas prosecutors have to resolve cases.

Copyright March 22, 2024, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved