Ken Paxton Snags Deal to Avoid Securities Fraud Charges

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reached a deal with prosecutors on Tuesday that will bring an end to a nearly decade-long legal battle over allegations of securities fraud.

Paxton agreed to pay $271,000 in restitution to his alleged victims within 18 months, according to prosecutor Brian Wice. He must also complete 100 hours of community service and attend legal education classes. The deal, which comes two weeks before Paxton’s trial was expected to start, was instigated by state prosecutors, according to Paxton’s attorney, Dan Codgell.

“He is more than happy to comply with that agreement,” Codgell told reporters on Tuesday morning. “At the end of the day it is not a plea bargain. He did not plea. There is no admission of guilt, there will never be an admission of guilt, because he is not guilty.”

Read more at The Daily Beast.