Seven current and former aides to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have signed a letter accusing his office of bribery, abuse of office and improper influence. The letter was first reported by the Austin American Statesman and KVUE television in Austin.
"We have a good faith belief that the Attorney General is violating federal and/or state law, including prohibitions relating to improper influence, abuse of office, bribery, and other potential criminal offenses," the letter reads.
The letter does not detail what led to any of the accusations. It was signed by six current deputy attorneys general and Jeff Mateer, another senior staff member, who resigned last week.
The letter is dated October 1, and the seven who signed say they notified law enforcement September 30.
Paxton responded Sunday.
"The complaint filed against Attorney General Paxton was done to impede an ongoing investigation into criminal wrongdoing by public officials including employees of this office. Making false claims is a very serious matter and we plan to investigate this to the fullest extent of the law," his office wrote in a statement.
Paxton is also awaiting trial on charges of securities fraud. He was charged shortly after starting his first term in 2015; the trial has been delayed several times over potential changes in venue and payment to special prosecutors.
