Prosecutors in fraud case against Texas attorney general dealt new setback

In this May 1, 2018, file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at a news conference in Austin, Texas. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, handed a loss to prosecutors trying to bring the indicted Paxton to trial on charges of securities fraud, throwing the long running-criminal case into new doubt. The court ruled that payments approved to special prosecutors were set beyond legal limits. Prosecutors have previously threatened to quit the case if they're not paid more than $200,000 they say they're owed. (Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File)
In this May 1, 2018, file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at a news conference in Austin, Texas. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, handed a loss to prosecutors trying to bring the indicted Paxton to trial on charges of securities fraud, throwing the long running-criminal case into new doubt. The court ruled that payments approved to special prosecutors were set beyond legal limits. Prosecutors have previously threatened to quit the case if they're not paid more than $200,000 they say they're owed. (Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File)

AUSTIN-Special prosecutors who've threatened to quit the criminal case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have lost another battle over their pay, throwing the case into new uncertainty.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday refused to reconsider a 2018 ruling that effectively denied special prosecutors nearly $200,000 they say they're owed.

Brian Wice, one of the special prosecutors, said in a statement they were disappointed with the court. But Wice didn't indicate what they'll do next.

Prosecutors have previously suggested they might back out of the case if they're not paid.

Paxton, a Republican, was indicted in 2015 over allegations of duping investors in a high-tech startup. He has pleaded not guilty.

If convicted, Paxton faces 5 to 99 years in prison, but the case has languished for a year. He was re-elected to a second term in November.

 

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