Texas County Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged Political Takeover: Lawsuit Sparks Controversy

AUSTIN (KXAN) – A man offering free accommodation to entice people to relocate to a remote area of West Texas is now facing legal action from the state’s attorney general.

Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office announced that Malcolm Tanner has been accused of running an “illegal scheme” aimed at gaining political influence in Loving County, the least populated county in Texas. In response, Paxton is seeking a temporary restraining order to halt Tanner’s activities.

In various social media videos, Tanner claims to be constructing 100 homes to offer for free, along with a monthly stipend of $5,000 for those willing to move to the region.

According to a lawsuit, Tanner is the owner of two undeveloped plots, each spanning five acres, in Loving County. An investigative report by the Houston Chronicle indicates that around 36 individuals have already relocated to the area, residing in RVs, tents, or makeshift shelters.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office alleges that these living conditions breach the Texas Health and Safety Code due to inadequate sewage disposal and insufficient sanitation facilities.

“His deceptive and unlawful scheme to lure people with free housing for the purpose of conducting a political takeover is a disgustingly fraudulent plot to line his own pockets,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will not stand by while frauds try to carve up Texas for themselves and make everyone sicker and less safe along the way”.

Videos posted on Tanner’s Facebook feature captions like ”Come build a future together. Say yes and join the movement.” Other posts mention “free political homes.” His page shows videos of a handful of people building, dancing or walking in the community.

affiliate KXAN reached out to Tanner through social media and the Clubhouse app he frequently promotes, but has not yet received a response.

Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Eric Dexheimer, in his investigation, said Tanner has said on social media that the goal is to get enough people in the area to register to vote to win county seats. The county has a population of just 64 people, according to Census data. Tanner also claims to be running for president in 2028.

The Temporary Restraining Order seeks to halt further habitation on Tanner’s land until it complies with health regulations and to prevent further sewage discharge that could contaminate soil or water.

Texas County Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged Political Takeover: Lawsuit Sparks Controversy

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Texas County Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged Political Takeover: Lawsuit Sparks Controversy

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