Originally published September 14, 2023 10:33 am PDT
Amid the historic impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, allegations surrounding a controversial kitchen remodel have been challenged.
Andrew Wicker, once a personal aide to Paxton, conceded under cross-examination that the renovations to Paxton’s kitchen—specifically countertops and cabinetry—were not made, a point central to the prosecution’s claims.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, defending Paxton, presented two sets of photographs taken from 2020 and 2023 of Paxton’s kitchen.
He questioned Wicker, “We can see that there are no work done on the countertops, can’t we?” The National Pulse reports.
Wicker responded, “Yes.”
Buzbee further inquired, “We can see that there was no work done in the cabinetry, can’t we?”
Wicker again confirmed the assertion.
State House representatives had approved 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton on May 27, many of which were based on accusations that Paxton had engaged in a quid pro quo with real estate mogul Nate Paul.
This alleged exchange purportedly involved Paxton assisting Paul in a fraud lawsuit and stopping foreclosure on some of his assets, in return for home renovations.
However, these recent revelations from Wicker have raised significant doubts about the strength of the case against the suspended Attorney General.
While the trial continues, Paxton faces a total of 16 impeachment articles that assert he misused his position to aid Paul, a notable Austin real estate figure, during a period when Paul was the subject of a federal inquiry.
On the first day of the trial, Paxton firmly denied all the allegations, with his defense team emphasizing their commitment to refuting the claims.
They have repeatedly stressed that the charges against Paxton are grounded in conjecture rather than concrete evidence.
