Texas AG Offers Legal Aid To Priest Sexual Abuse Victims

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Attorney General Ken Paxton on Friday issued a letter offering his office’s assistance to all district and county attorneys in Texas as they prepare to investigate cases involving clergymen accused of sexually abusing children.

The move comes after the 15 Texas Catholic dioceses on Thursday publicly identified nearly 300 priests against whom credible allegations of sexual abuse have been made.

“My office stands ready to provide whatever assistance local investigators and prosecutors may need in accordance with state law," Paxton said. "I am committed to helping provide safe communities for Texas children and communities of faith alike.”

Related stories:

Austin Catholic Diocese Releases Names Of Accused Priests

Names Of 40+ Priests Accused Of Sexual Misconduct Released

Dallas Priests Accused Of Sexual Abuse: Full List

Under the state constitution, Paxton explained, Texas law grants original criminal jurisdiction over these cases to local district and county attorneys. However, local attorneys may request assistance from the Office of the Attorney General in both the investigation and prosecution stages of criminal cases, he noted.

To read the letter, click here.

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