FBI arrests man linked to impeached Texas attorney general

Nate Paul, who owns a real estate company in Austin, Texas, donated $25,000 in 2018 to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign. Federal officials arrested Paul on Thursday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell said in court that Paul overstated his assets and understated his liabilities to illegally obtain loans. Paul was released from custody Friday and is due back in court for arraignment on June 15. Lawyers for Paul did not immediately respond to Associated Press requests for comment.

How is Paul connected to Paxton? Eight of Paxton’s staff in 2020 went to the FBI with accusations that Paxton had accepted bribes from Paul and used his position to benefit Paul. Paxton has denied any wrongdoing. The Texas House of Representatives last month approved 20 articles of impeachment to suspend the Republican politician. Most of the articles mention Paxton’s relationship with Paul. The state senate will hold a trial in August to decide if he should be permanently removed. 

Dig deeper: Read Mary Jackson’s report in Relations about Paxton’s defense of a Texas attempt to protect minors from transgender interventions.