Ex-Aides to Ken Paxton Awarded $6.6 Million in Whistleblower Case

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Ordered to Pay $6.6 Million to Whistle-blower Aides

In a significant legal ruling, a Texas district court has awarded $6.6 million to four former high-level aides of Attorney General Ken Paxton. The decision followed their claims of wrongful termination after they reported him to federal authorities for alleged corruption in 2020. The plaintiffs, Blake Brickman, Mark Penley, David Maxwell, and Ryan Vassar, successfully argued that Paxton’s office violated the state’s whistle-blower protection laws, leading to the judge’s ruling.

Judge Catherine Mauzy, presiding over a district court in Travis County, determined that the plaintiffs had convincingly demonstrated both liability on the part of the attorney general’s office and the damages they incurred as a result of their dismissals. In her ruling, Judge Mauzy stated, “The Court finds that Plaintiffs have proved liability, damages, and reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees by a preponderance of the evidence.” The awarded sum reflects losses from emotional distress, loss of wages, legal expenses, and other costs related to their case.

Each aide received individual awards ranging from $1 million to over $2 million, signifying a serious consequence for what the judge deemed illegal firings linked to their whistle-blowing activities. The four aides reported their concerns regarding Paxton to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in late 2020, accusing him of exploiting his public office to assist Nate Paul, a political donor closely associated with Paxton.

Following their allegations, the aides were terminated in November 2020, prompting them to file their lawsuit against the attorney general’s office, claiming that their dismissals were both wrongful and unlawful. Notably, Paxton did not contest the trial and did not provide testimony, seemingly opting to avoid dispute on the matter.

The ruling has been celebrated by the plaintiffs’ legal representation. Tom Nesbitt, one of the lawyers for Blake Brickman, heralded the decision, stating, “Yesterday’s judgment is the natural and intended consequence of Ken Paxton’s choice to surrender rather than fight the whistle-blowers’ claims in court.”

In response to the ruling, Ken Paxton expressed strong discontent, labeling the judgment as a product of a "liberal Austin judge." He announced plans to appeal the decision, claiming that the judgment further burdens Texas taxpayers due to what he termed a "corrupt impeachment scheme" involving Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and former President Joe Biden.

Alongside the monetary damages, Judge Mauzy mandated that Paxton’s office cover some of the plaintiffs’ legal expenses if her ruling faces an appeal in the Supreme Court of Texas. The case underscores broader issues of accountability and whistle-blower protection in political contexts, particularly pertaining to power dynamics in government offices.

In the background of this case, ongoing scrutiny on Paxton’s conduct continues. In 2023, a Republican-led committee in the Texas Legislature recommended Paxton’s impeachment based on multiple allegations involving abuse of power and corruption. Investigators asserted that real estate developer Nate Paul provided financial incentives, including renovations to Paxton’s home, in exchange for favorable treatment.

The gravity of the accusations against Paxton has not diminished, even though federal authorities initially declined to prosecute him towards the end of President Biden’s term. This lack of federal action added layers of complexity to the ongoing legal and political battles facing the Texas Attorney General.

Most recently, in September 2023, the Texas Senate acquitted Paxton in an impeachment trial that fell largely along party lines, showcasing the division and tension within Texas politics.

As the legal battles unfold, Paxton remains politically active, with speculation about a potential Senate run against Republican Senator John Cornyn. On social media, he has dismissed the federal probe as a “bogus witch hunt.”

In light of these developments, Blake Brickman criticized Paxton’s intent to appeal, claiming that the attorney general had already conceded to breaking the law during previous proceedings. He expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “Paxton now wants to appeal? He literally already admitted he broke the law to @SupremeCourt_TX and the Travis County District Court — all to stop his own deposition.”

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of this ruling and Paxton’s contested actions could have lasting effects on Texas’ political landscape and the future of whistle-blower protections in the state. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who speak out against misconduct within powerful political entities.