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Texas Attorney General’s Office Whistleblower Case Awards Over $6 Million

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News Summary

A Travis County judge has ruled in favor of four former employees of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, awarding them over $6 million for wrongful termination after reporting misconduct involving Attorney General Ken Paxton. The judgment reinforces the Texas Whistleblower Act, as the plaintiffs proved they lost their jobs due to their whistleblowing. Attorney General Paxton plans to appeal the decision, which raises further questions about accountability within his office amidst ongoing controversies.

Austin, Texas – In a significant legal ruling, a Travis County judge has awarded over $6 million to four former employees of the Texas Attorney General’s Office who were terminated after blowing the whistle on apparent misconduct involving Attorney General Ken Paxton. The judgment marks a notable enforcement of the Texas Whistleblower Act and highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding Paxton’s leadership.

What Happened

The court’s decision was made by Judge Catherine Mauzy, who stated that the plaintiffs successfully demonstrated liability, damages, and attorney’s fees by a preponderance of the evidence. The judge clarified that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) unlawfully terminated the employees for their honest reports concerning legal violations. Specifically, the whistleblowers alleged that Paxton was involved in accepting bribes from Nate Paul, a real estate developer linked to Paxton’s personal life.

Who Is Affected

The four whistleblowers who brought forth the lawsuit had initially alerted the FBI regarding Paxton’s alleged misconduct in October 2020. All four individuals lost their jobs by mid-November of the same year. The ruling addresses their claims for lost wages, emotional distress, interest, and legal fees.

Official Response

The OAG did not contest the claims or damages highlighted in this recent lawsuit, a point that underscores the court’s finding. In contrast, Ken Paxton expressed his discontent with the ruling, labeling it as “ridiculous,” and announced plans to appeal the decision. This response reflects ongoing tensions between Paxton and members of his own former office, which raises questions about accountability within Texas’s highest law enforcement agency.

Impact

The repercussions of this ruling could extend beyond financial compensation. Having previously testified against Paxton during his impeachment trial, the whistleblowers’ lawsuit centered on allegations central to the charges that led to Paxton’s temporary suspension. Despite these serious allegations, Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate following his impeachment by the Texas House.

The federal probe initiated after eight employees reported bribery claims against Paxton also plays a vital role in this story, although it concluded without further action from the U.S. Justice Department in the final weeks of the Biden administration. This lack of federal intervention may fuel further discourse on ethics and governance within the OAG.

What’s Next

If the ruling is upheld following Paxton’s anticipated appeal, the full financial implications will rest on the Texas Legislature, which will need to allocate the necessary funding to satisfy the judgment. This situation could result in scrutinized discussions within legislative chambers as representatives weigh the consequences of Paxton’s actions against the fiscal responsibilities to the whistleblowers.

As the legal proceedings continue, the events surrounding Ken Paxton and the whistleblower awards will likely remain a central topic in Texas politics, drawing public attention to issues of integrity, accountability, and the power dynamics within governmental frameworks.