AG Ken Paxton's Securities Fraud Trial Moved To Houston

AUSTIN, TX -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing felony charges for securities fraud and failing ot register as an investment adviser, will face a jury in Houston rather than his home in Collin County.

District Judge George Gallagher, who announced the change of venue Tuesday, initially granted the request of the change from prosecutors on March 29, amid concerns that Paxton’s political influence could taint potential jurors in Collin County.

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Gallagher said Tuesday that Harris County was a logical choice because attorneys for both the prosecutor and the defense both reside in the Houston area, and there were adequate facilities to hold the trial in Harris County.

Meanwhile, attorney's for Paxton fought the change of venue by asking that a new judge from Harris be appointedto preside over the case, which was scheduled to begin May 1.

Gallagher, however is expected to remain as the presiding judge in the case, despite the objections of Paxton's legal team.

Paxton, the state's top prosecutor, was indicted on 2015 and has denied the allegations, calling them a political witch hunt.

Since his indictment, Paxton has tried unsuccessfully to have the criminal charges dismissed against him in district court.

A new trial date has not yet been set.

Image: Official photo of Ken Paxton via State of Texas

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