Court Awards Whistleblowers $6.6 Million in Case Against Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been ordered by a district court to pay $6.6 million to whistleblowers, yet the saga involving allegations of bribery and retaliation continues to ripple through Texas’ political landscape.

Key Takeaways

A district court awarded $6.6 million to four whistleblowers against Ken Paxton’s office.
The employees were reportedly terminated after reporting Paxton to the FBI for bribery.
The court concluded Paxton’s office violated the Texas Whistleblower Act.
Paxton plans to appeal the ruling.
The Texas Supreme Court blocked a previous order for Paxton to testify.

Whistleblower Ruling and its Implications

A district court judge awarded significant damages to four former aides of Attorney General Ken Paxton after they were dismissed following their report to the FBI over alleged legal violations. Each of these whistleblowers alleged Paxton’s involvement in accepting bribes from developer Nate Paul. The court ruled that the whistleblowers acted in good faith during their disclosures.

Paxton refutes any allegations of bribery or misuse of office, standing firm against the court’s decision. Despite the ruling, the Attorney General plans to appeal, describing the judgment as “a ridiculous judgment that is not based on the facts or the law.”

Attorney General Ken Paxton’s former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower case https://t.co/F5b2eluyGd

— KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) April 5, 2025

Judicial Proceedings and Political Backlash

Travis County Judge Catherine Mauzy presided over the case, ensuring the enforcement of the necessary legal standards. Citing the preponderance of evidence presented, she determined that Paxton’s office acted unlawfully. Legal fees, damages for emotional distress, and lost wages were calculated between $1.1 million to $2.1 million for each plaintiff, summarizing the repercussions of the retaliatory dismissals.

Back in 2023, Paxton proposed a lawsuit settlement for $3.3 million, but this offer was rejected by the Texas House. An investigation ensued, resulting in the AG’s impeachment. However, he was eventually acquitted by the Senate.

Future Implications and Ongoing Controversy

The Texas Supreme Court made a crucial decision in November overturning an earlier ruling to have Paxton provide testimony in this lawsuit. By blocking this procedural step, the court further indicated perceived insufficiencies in resolving factual disputes within the initial ruling framework. Despite this, the judgment may compel additional attorney fees should further appeals arise, pointing to sustained legal battles ahead.