Whistleblowers in Texas AG Paxton case vow to continue legal battle

Four former staffers who were terminated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after reporting him to the FBI have spoken out at the Texas Capitol, stating that their legal battle is far from over, despite Paxton’s recent acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial. The whistleblowers held a press conference on Monday afternoon, during which they announced that they have filed a new motion in the Texas Supreme Court.

Former Deputy Attorney General Blake Brickman, one of the fired staffers, expressed his willingness to field questions from the media, highlighting the fact that Paxton never addresses the media himself. Mark Penley, another former Paxton staffer, emphasized the strong conviction they feel about their cause. The former staffers made it clear that they are determined to hold Paxton accountable, stating that he will have to testify under oath or invoke his Fifth Amendment rights in open court.

The fired employees allege that Paxton reneged on a $3.3 million settlement reached with them in a wrongful termination lawsuit. Despite the settlement agreement, the money was never disbursed to them due to a legislative decision not to utilize taxpayer funds for this purpose. Brickman emphasized that their case has always been about more than just monetary compensation; it is about seeking the truth.

The termination of these individuals came after they reported to the FBI in 2020 that they believed Paxton was misusing his position to benefit his friend, Austin real estate investor Nate Paul. Penley explained that they personally witnessed Paxton disregarding the boundaries of the law, which prompted them to approach the FBI.

It was the lawsuit filed by these whistleblowers that triggered the House investigation into Paxton’s actions, ultimately leading to his impeachment. The former staffers played a crucial role in the Senate trial earlier this month, where they testified against Paxton. However, he was eventually acquitted of all impeachment charges.

In response to the press conference, the attorney general’s office issued a statement indicating that they would provide a written response to the comments made by the whistleblowers, following the procedures outlined by the Texas Supreme Court. The original settlement also included an apology from Paxton, but so far, no public apology has been given.

As the legal battle continues, the fired staffers remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, vowing to fight for as long as it takes. They believe that the case should return to a genuine court, away from the realm of politics.