A Texas judge has ruled in favor of four former high-level aides of Attorney General Ken Paxton, awarding them a total of $6.6 million. The aides alleged they were wrongfully terminated after reporting Paxton to federal investigators and accusing him of corruption in 2020.
The plaintiffs, Blake Brickman, Mark Penley, David Maxwell, and Ryan Vassar, successfully demonstrated that the attorney general’s office had violated the state’s whistle-blower act. This determination was made by Judge Catherine Mauzy of a district court in Travis County.
The awarded damages varied for each plaintiff, ranging from $1 million to over $2 million. These sums were intended to cover lost wages, emotional distress, legal fees, and other expenses incurred during the trial.
In her ruling, Judge Mauzy stated that the plaintiffs had presented sufficient evidence to establish liability, damages, and reasonable attorney's fees.
7 Comments
Matzomaster
Seems like these aides found a loophole to cash in rather than a legitimate case. Very shady!
Karamba
This ruling reaffirms that those who speak out against wrongdoing should be supported, not punished.
Rotfront
Awarding so much money for whistleblowing encourages fraud and deceit. It’s ridiculous.
Karamba
This ruling undermines the hard work of honest government officials who face scrutiny without complaint.
Rotfront
The judge made the right call. Those aides deserve compensation for the trauma they faced.
Cerebro
Let's hope this inspires a culture of integrity and accountability within our state and beyond.
Sammmm
Finally, justice for those who stood up against corruption! This ruling sends a strong message.