Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton settled a nearly decade-long federal indictment this week after reaching a deal with prosecutors that will allow him to avoid a criminal trial and having to spend any time behind bars.
The New York Times reported that Paxton does not have to admit guilt as part of the agreement but must pay approximately $300,000 in restitution, take legal ethics courses, and perform community service.
“No judge can force a prosecutor to present evidence or call witnesses,” Judge Andrea Beall said in court on Tuesday. “This court does not have any say in this contract.”
While serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives in 2011, Paxton was accused of misleading investors “into putting money into a Dallas-area technology company without disclosing to them that he was making a commission on their investments,” the report said.
Paxton’s lawyer, Dan Cogdell, said he would never admit guilt in the case because “he’s not guilty.”
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“The question wasn’t whether anyone was going to win,” said special prosecutor Brian Wice. “The question was whether we had honored our oath to seek justice, and that’s what we believe that we did.”
Paxton responded to the outcome, “For over a decade, my family and I have been dealing with the ongoing stress of these accusations and are relieved to finally have a resolution in this matter.”
“The prosecution came to us to begin negotiations and we were able to come to an agreement on terms. There will never be a conviction in this case nor am I guilty,” he continued. “I look forward to putting this behind me. I want to thank my family, team, and supporters for sticking by my side. Dealing with a 10-year case looming over our heads was no easy task. I am glad to move on and will provide further comment in the weeks ahead.”