FBI INVESTIGATING CLAIMS AGAINS TEXAS A.G. PAXTON

  

The FBI has launched an investigation into allegations that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton used his office to benefit a wealthy donor.

Federal agents are reportedly looking into claims by former members of Paxton’s staff that he committed bribery, abuse of office and other crimes to help Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.

Confirmation of the criminal probe marks mounting legal peril for Paxton, who’s denied wrongdoing and refused calls for his resignation since his top deputies reported him to federal authorities at the end of September.

An FBI spokeswoman in San Antonio declined to comment.

Each of Paxton’s accusers has resigned, been put on leave or been fired since reporting him. Last week, four of them filed a state whistleblower lawsuit against the attorney general, claiming he ousted them as retribution.