Texas
FBI Arrests Real Estate Developer Linked To Texas AG Ken Paxton’s Impeachment
Topline
A real estate developer accused of bribing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was taken into custody by federal investigators Thursday, marking the latest development in the controversy that led to Paxton’s impeachment by the Texas House last month.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas House late last month.
Key Facts
The FBI arrested Nate Paul and booked him into Travis County jail in Austin on Thursday, but the exact charges against him have yet to be made public, the Associated Press reported.
Official jail records show Paul was booked into jail at 4:25 p.m. local time and he is detained on a felony.
The Houston Chronicle, citing the lead prosecutor in Paxton’s impeachment trial, reported the arrest may be linked to allegations against the Texas Attorney General.
Paul, 36, has been under a federal investigation for several years and even had one of his offices in Austin raided by the FBI back in 2019.
News Peg
Paxton’s alleged relationship with Paul are at the center of his impeachment trial. Paxton’s former aides allege he accepted bribes and abused the power of his office to interfere in lawsuits linked to Paul. An investigation by a Texas House committee also alleged that Paul hired a woman who was allegedly involved in an affair with Paxton. The attorney general has denied all allegations against him. On the other hand, Paul has alleged he is the target of a major conspiracy by other businessmen who are attempting to steal properties worth $200 million from him.
Key Background
Last month the Texas House voted 121-23 to impeach Paxton on charges of bribery, abuse of office and obstruction. The impeachment trial has now moved to the Texas Senate where it will need a two-thirds majority to remove the attorney general from office. Paxton, a vocal and loyal supporter of Donald Trump, found backing from the former president who called him “one of the most hard-working and effective” attorney generals.
Further Reading
FBI arrests Texas businessman linked to impeachment of state Attorney General Ken Paxton (Associated Press)
Nate Paul, accused of bribing Texas AG Ken Paxton, is jailed on an FBI warrant (Houston Chronicle)