Allegations of Unethical Perks Follow Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, According to Former Staff

Overseas trips to the Caribbean and Europe costing taxpayers upwards of $90,000, a $600 blazer footed by an event sponsor, and a $45 holiday cake from the office claimed as his own—these are some of the privileges that former employees of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton allege he indulged in. Paxton is currently under federal criminal investigation and risks removal from his post due to corruption allegations.

Scheduled to start on Tuesday, Paxton’s impeachment trial will scrutinize years filled with scandal, criminal accusations, and whistleblower testimonies from within his circle of trust.

However, documents acquired by The Big Big News, along with interviews of former aides and an examination of a multitude of legal documents, indicate additional ways Paxton may have exploited his position as one of Texas’ most influential figures. Collectively, these sources suggest that a conviction could cost Paxton not merely his job but his lavish lifestyle.

Last year, Paxton’s international travels surpassed the combined number undertaken by Texas’ governor and lieutenant governor, and included an undisclosed visit to Qatar for the World Cup. He is also accused of actions that raised concerns among employees across various ranks within his office, such as requesting special license plates but not remitting the requisite $12.50 fee.

James Blake Brickman, a former deputy to Paxton, indicated in an interview with impeachment investigators in March, as per the transcript, that Paxton was enamored with the fringe benefits of his role. “He was always concerned about his next trip or who was taking him out to dinner,” Brickman stated.

Paxton’s representatives and his office chose not to comment on these allegations. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who will preside over the impeachment trial, has put forth a comprehensive gag order.

Since his election in 2014, Paxton has gained national recognition for his attempts to reverse the 2020 presidential election results, challenge Biden administration policies, and advocate for conservative social causes. He was reelected twice even amid a securities fraud indictment and an ongoing FBI probe.

The federal investigation and impeachment proceedings center on accusations from eight former senior deputies that Paxton assisted a wealthy donor in evading an FBI investigation. In exchange, it is alleged that Austin real estate developer Nate Paul hired a woman with whom Paxton had an extramarital affair and funded home renovations for Paxton’s million-dollar residence in Austin. Both parties have denied any wrongdoing.

Bill Miller, a seasoned lobbyist in Austin, commented that although the allegations have tarnished Paxton’s public image, they don’t reflect the man he has known for years.

Paxton draws an annual salary of approximately $153,000, less than several of his top assistants. His wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, earns $7,200 for her legislative service, which is convened biennially for six months.

Financial disclosures by the couple provide an opaque view of their wealth, with the most recent records indicating their blind trust valued at “$47,220 or more.”

In the past year, Paxton has been particularly globetrotting. After winning a Republican primary runoff against George P. Bush, Paxton traveled extensively to locations in the Caribbean and Europe, incurring taxpayer costs of $91,000 for his security detail alone. The purpose of these trips remains undisclosed.

Additionally, Paxton attended the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a trip not recorded in his filings or security logs. Republican State Attorney General Sean Reyes of Utah also attended the event and confirmed that his expenses were covered by the Qatari government.

David Maxell, Paxton’s former head of law enforcement and one of the eight deputies who reported him to the FBI, alleged that Paxton sought to benefit from his office in various ways. Maxell stated, according to transcripts, that Paxton once billed a $600 blazer to an event organizer and failed to pay for specialty license plates that were available to state officials.

Furthermore, Paxton is said to have claimed a $45 Christmas cake sent to his office for himself, as recounted by three anonymous former employees who feared retribution.

The official gift logs maintained by Paxton’s office recorded the cake as worth $45.

The reporting was done by Bleiberg from Dallas.

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