"Texas AG Ken Paxton Strikes Deal to Drop Felony Securities Fraud Charges"

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has agreed to perform 100 hours of community service and meet other conditions to have the securities fraud charges against him dropped, ending a nearly nine-year-old case. The deal also requires him to take legal education courses and pay about $271,000 in restitution to alleged victims. Paxton, who maintains his innocence, faced the prospect of decades in prison if convicted. This resolution clears a major hurdle for his political future, as he is widely seen as a likely candidate for higher statewide office.