Businessman who allegedly gave Ken Paxton bribes hit with new federal charges: report

The Texas businessman at the heart of the scandal that led to Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment has now been hit with a new round of federal charges, reported The Messenger on Wednesday.

"Nate Paul pleaded not guilty in June to charges of making false statements to lenders, and the new superseding indictment adds charges related to allegedly defrauding business partners," reported Alec Dent. "Paxton was alleged to have accepted bribes and used his office to benefit Paul, who was a donor to his campaign."

Ultimately, the GOP-backed Texas Senate acquitted Paxton, in a clash with the also GOP-controlled Texas House, which initiated the impeachment.

Paul, a real estate investor in Austin, faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 per count, according to the report.

In addition to the bribery allegations, Paxton is also accused of a systematic coverup in which he fired whistleblowers in his office. The FBI has separately been investigating the same allegations that led to the impeachement effort.

Paxton is a close ally of former President Donald Trump, and helped spearhead a fringe legal case to try to overturn the 2020 presidential election that was rebuffed by the Supreme Court.