Texas attorney general’s appeal rejected, trial likely

“The charges against Ken Paxton are without merit. A federal court, following a lower legal standard, ruled that the fraud charges were baseless,” Paxton attorney Philip Hilder said.

The collapse of the civil case gave Paxton a long-sought court victory over the accusations that have marred his political rise. Among those he allegedly misled was a fellow Republican lawmaker who at the time served with Paxton in the Texas Legislature.

Mazzant “conditionally granted” the dismissal of the SEC charges after concluding that Paxton was under no obligation to tell investors he was being paid by Servergy. Mazzant gave the SEC two weeks to bring new arguments against Paxton.

But three criminal courts in Texas have decided the indictments are sound enough to let the case proceed to trial. The latest court to reject Paxton is the same Republican-dominated panel that earlier this year threw out felony abuse-of-power charges against former Gov. Rick Perry.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals gave no explanation in rejecting Paxton’s request Wednesday.

“Today’s ruling marks an end to Mr. Paxton’s almost yearlong attempt to avoid being judged by a jury of his peers. We look forward to going to trial and seeking justice on behalf of the people of Texas,” special prosecutor Brian Wice said.

Paxton has spent most of his 22 months on the job under felony indictment. The allegations have hounded Paxton while building his profile nationally, leading lawsuits against the Obama administration over immigration, transgender rights and Syrian refugees.

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Follow Paul J. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweber

Paul J. Weber, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Texas attorney general’s appeal rejected, trial likely

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