AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- While Saturday's historic acquittal of Attorney General Ken Paxton returns the state's embattled top lawyer to office, it doesn't mean the end of the legal challenges facing him.
In a statement released after the acquittal by the Texas Senate, Paxton blasted the "sham impeachment" and a "shameful process."
Most prominent among Paxton's pending legal troubles is a state case involving securities fraud charges - a case delayed for years by disputes and pretrial motions.
In the case, Paxton faces two counts of securities fraud, a first-degree felony carrying a potential punishment of up to 99 years in prison, along with a third-degree felony count of failing to register with state securities regulators. The charges stem from Paxton's 2011 efforts to solicit investors in a McKinney tech startup.
The next step in that case is an Oct. 6 court hearing for pending motions and to set a trial date.
Paxton also remains under investigation by the FBI, dating back to October 2020, although no charges have been filed.
Paxton attorney Dan Cogdell, speaking after the impeachment proceedings concluded Saturday, called the securities fraud case "BS."
“That case, like this one, should have never been brought,” Cogdell said. "They ought to dismiss it. And if they don’t dismiss it, we will try them and beat them there just like we beat them here.”
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, in a statement released after Saturday's impeachment acquittal, referenced Paxton's ongoing legal challenges. "Ken Paxton is the subject of multiple other lawsuits, indictments and investigations," said Phelan. "If new facts continue to come out, those who allowed him to keep his office will have much to answer for."