Texas Court Awards $6.6 Million to Whistleblowers Against Ken Paxton
A Travis County district court judge has ruled in favor of four former senior aides to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, granting them a total of $6.6 million. This judgment stems from their wrongful termination after reporting misconduct to federal authorities.
Details of the Court Ruling
Judge Catherine Mauzy concluded that the plaintiffs—Blake Brickman, Mark Penley, David Maxwell, and Ryan Vassar—demonstrated by a “preponderance of the evidence” that their dismissals violated the Texas Whistleblower Act. Each plaintiff received compensation ranging from $1.1 million to $2.1 million, covering lost wages, emotional distress, and attorneys’ fees.
Admission of Wrongdoing
In an unusual twist, the judgment revealed that the Attorney General’s office did not contest any factual issues in the case, limiting Paxton’s ability to challenge the court’s findings. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs indicated that Paxton effectively admitted to legal violations in a bid to avoid testifying under oath regarding the allegations.
“It should shock all Texans that their chief law enforcement officer, Ken Paxton, admitted to violating the law, but that is exactly what happened in this case,” stated Tom Nesbitt, the attorney for Brickman and Maxwell.
Responses to the Judgment
Ken Paxton criticized the ruling, labeling it a “ridiculous judgment that is not based on the facts or the law.” He attributed blame to former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, who was instrumental in the impeachment proceedings against him earlier this year, asserting that they would appeal the decision.
Legal Background and Context
This case initiated when the four aides, along with others, alerted federal officials in September 2020 about suspected abuses by Paxton concerning Nate Paul, a friend and real estate developer. Following their reports, the aides were dismissed, prompting a legal battle that commenced with their lawsuit in November 2020.
Impeachment and Allegations
Paxton’s misconduct allegations also contributed to a significant impeachment process initiated by the Texas House. Investigators claimed he used his office for personal favors in exchange for renovations at his home and other benefits. The state Senate eventually acquitted him of multiple charges during a highly publicized trial in September 2023.
Future Legal Proceedings
The court ruling entitles the plaintiffs to additional attorney’s fees should they successfully defend the judgment in the appeals process, which may allow for as much as $20,000 per person at various review stages in the Texas Supreme Court.
Recent Developments
In a related note, the Department of Justice opted not to pursue federal charges against Paxton, a development highlighted amidst his ongoing contention that impeachment efforts were politically motivated and aligned with federal authorities.
Conclusion
The judgment not only highlights the complexities of whistleblower protections in Texas but also marks a significant incident in the ongoing scrutiny of Paxton’s conduct as Attorney General. As appeals unfold, further developments in this politically charged case are anticipated.
