Attorney General Paxton Statement on SCOTUS Decision in Mullenix v. Luna
This is a victory for the men and women who risk their lives to protect and serve the people of Texas. Officer Mullenix acted reasonably to protect his fellow officers in a rapidly-developing car chase involving a fugitive threatening to kill law enforcement in his path. The Court properly determined that Mullenix had qualified immunity from a trial second-guessing his actions to protect other officers and the public. Today's decision recognizes that in the face of dangerous, life-threatening situations, our law enforcement officers must have the necessary latitude to make critical decisions in an instant to protect themselves and the public from harm.”
Attorney General Paxton: Protect the Free Exercise of Religion from Government Intrusion
“These important cases before the Supreme Court underscore the need for us to stand strong in the face of continued assaults on religious liberties in our nation,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said. “No citizen should be forced by the federal government to comply with mandates that violate their conscience, or pay fines just for living in accordance with their beliefs. We hope the Court will reaffirm our rights and protect the free exercise of religion from government intrusion.”
Attorney General’s Office Secures Victory in Lawsuit Protecting Texas Taxpayers
“This ruling is a victory for the taxpayers of Texas. The City of Austin’s attempt to rewrite Texas law was beyond the scope of their authority and put all property owners in the state at risk of higher taxes. We are pleased the judge ultimately dismissed this lawsuit, giving Texans a voice against unlawful efforts to increase tax revenue without input from lawmakers or taxpayers.”
State Argues We Must Preserve Hazlewood Act for Texas Veterans
“The Hazlewood Act provides an important benefit to Texans who make the choice to serve our nation and put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said. “It’s just one way that Texas gives back, while also helping us keep the valuable skills and experience these veterans offer in our state. However, if Texas is forced to expand the law beyond current eligibility requirements, the entire program will be at stake. We must preserve the Hazlewood Act as it is in order to ensure its financial sustainability, so the state can continue providing this benefit to Texas veterans.”
Investigation Lands Cedar Park Man in Jail for Possession of Child Pornography
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced the Attorney General’s Child Exploitation Unit (CEU) successfully executed a search warrant resulting in the arrest of Gerardo Gamez, 44, of Cedar Park, for ten counts of possession of child pornography.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Addresses Texas Taxpayers and Research Association Annual Meeting
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today spoke at the Annual Membership Meeting of Texas Taxpayers and Research Association about what the Office of the Attorney General is doing to protect taxpayers across the state.
Attorney General’s Office Defends Texas Law Protecting Taxpayers; Files to Intervene in City of Austin
“The City of Austin has made it clear they want one thing and one thing only ”“ more tax revenue,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Austin’s plan would expose every property owner in Austin, and ultimately all of Texas, to the potential of higher property taxes, and it’s the duty of this office to give Texas taxpayers a voice and defend state law.”
Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano Leads Initiative to Arrest Delinquent Parents
Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano has arrested 23 Gregg County parents who violated court orders requiring them to pay child support. Along with support from the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division (CSD), others assisting Sheriff Cerliano in the roundup effort include Longview Police Chief Mike Bishop, Kilgore Police Chief Todd Hunter, Gladewater Police Chief Robert Vine, White Oak Police Chief Charles R. Smith, Lakeport Police Chief Wesley Freeman and Longview city marshals. The effort focused on parents who were the subjects of arrest warrants because of their failure to pay child support.
Texas Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Unit Joins Austin Police in Undercover Operation During F1 Weekend
“These arrests reflect a coordinated state and local law enforcement effort to crack down on human trafficking during big scale events like F1,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “The Office of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Unit routinely participates in operations with other law enforcement agencies in an effort to identify possible victims of human trafficking, many times underage victims who fall pray of traffickers and are forced into prostitution.”
Investigation Lands Uvalde County Man in Jail for Online Solicitation of a Minor
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced the Attorney General’s Child Exploitation Unit (CEU) investigators served an arrest warrant on Henry Francis Bunk III, 44, for online solicitation of a minor. This warrant was served at the Uvalde County Jail where Bunk was already being held for violating his sex offender requirements.