Share this @internewscast.com

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has agreed to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution, take legal ethics classes, and complete 100 hours of community service as part of a deal to avoid a jury trial in his securities fraud case.

Paxton, a Republican, was indicted in 2015 on three felony charges that he had mislead investors, including failing to disclose he was profiting on investments he urged people to make. He reportedly pleaded not guilty.

If Paxton completes the terms of the pretrial deal, prosecutors will dismiss the charges in 18 months.

“There was no admission of guilt,” Paxton lawyer Dan Cogdell told reporters after the deal was announced in court Tuesday, reiterating Paxton’s innocence. “But we’re glad to have this behind us.”

Pressed on why Paxton was willing to pay the significant sum if he was innocent, Cogdell said jury trials are unpredictable.

“It’s cheaper than what he’d have to pay me if we went to trial,” Cogdell said. “There’s no guarantee when you go in front of a trial, any trial lawyer will tell you that.”

Paxton has been dogged by corruption allegations for nearly a decade, even as he has enjoyed a flourishing political career. Last year, he was impeached on corruption allegations by members of his own party in the Texas House of Representatives. He stood trial in the Texas Senate, but was acquitted and returned to his office.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
USF missing students: Body found on Howard Franklin bridge ID'd as Zamil Limon; Nahida Bristy still missing; roommate is charged

Tragic Discovery: Zamil Limon’s Body Found on Howard Franklin Bridge While Search for Nahida Bristy Continues; Roommate Faces Charges

In Tampa, Florida, authorities have discovered the body of one of two…
Orlando Rivas dies after trying to shield students from pole in Buffalo Grove High School crash near Dundee Road: officials

Heroic Act: Orlando Rivas Tragically Passes Shielding Students in Buffalo Grove School Crash

A security guard known for his bravery in safeguarding students during a…
Spencer Pratt blasts LA's $40M MacArthur Park plan

Spencer Pratt Criticizes LA’s $40M Investment in MacArthur Park Redevelopment

Amidst plans to inject $40 million into revitalizing Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park,…
Texas substitute teacher accused of improper relationship with student, alarming parents

Shocking Allegations: Texas Substitute Teacher Under Investigation for Inappropriate Student Relations

In a troubling case from Texas, authorities have arrested a former substitute…
Search warrant details messages Houston Police Department Lt. Quoc Viet Ngo is accused of sending undercover cop posing as teen

Houston Police Lt. Quoc Viet Ngo Faces Investigation Over Alleged Inappropriate Messages to Undercover Officer

A seasoned police lieutenant from Texas has been implicated in a disturbing…
Nolte: Saudis Back Out of Metropolitan Opera’s $200 Million Blood-Money Bailout

Metropolitan Opera’s $200 Million Lifeline Withdrawn as Saudi Support Vanishes

In a striking turn of events, the very progressive elites who once…
Grinning suspect cuffed after alleged fiery street takeover, drag race caught on camera

Grinning Suspect Arrested Following Fiery Street Takeover and Drag Race Caught on Camera

An alleged accomplice in a chaotic drag-racing event was led from his…
Florida mayor says she 'did not resist' arrest over alleged probation violation from DUI case

Florida Mayor Asserts Compliance in Arrest Pertaining to Alleged Probation Violation in DUI Case

A Florida mayor found herself in legal trouble once again after being…
Mali gunmen stage simultaneous attacks in and outside Bamako capital

Gunmen Launch Coordinated Strikes in and Around Mali’s Capital, Bamako

Militants launched a series of attacks on Saturday morning in Mali, targeting…
Millionaire big game hunter, 75, trampled to death by five elephants while eyeing his next kill in Africa

Tragic End: 75-Year-Old Wealthy Hunter Loses Life in Elephant Encounter in Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a tragic turn of events, a…
Third US military aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East

Third US Aircraft Carrier Deploys to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has increased its naval presence in the Middle East,…
Chicago police look for suspects in shooting that injured ex-Dolton mayor Tiffany Henyard's dad on Kedzie Avenue in North Lawndale

Manhunt Launched: Chicago Police Seek Suspects in Shooting of Ex-Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s Father on Kedzie Avenue

CHICAGO — Authorities in Chicago are searching for three individuals involved in…