“If you cannot provide answers about these charges, we ask that you withdraw…”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Established in 1950, the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) is the voice of Texas law enforcement. TMPA is proud to represent more than 20,000 law enforcement officers across Texas. TMPA President Josh Thurlkill sent a letter earlier today to Attorney General candidate Ken Paxton questioning his days-long 
silence regarding allegations of potential criminal activity, and asked him to withdraw his candidacy if he cannot provide answers.
Dear Senator Paxton,
As President of TMPA, Texas’ largest law enforcement group, I was disturbed by recent published reports which allege potential criminal activity on your part. But even more troubling to us as law enforcement professionals is the deafening silence from you and your campaign on the substance of the charges, especially the securities laws violations.
Your work over many years referring clients to an investment firm raises serious questions. After allegedly receiving referral fees that were not disclosed to your clients, you then failed to report those payments as income to the Texas Ethics Commission, and for many years were not registered with the Texas State Securities Board to act as an “investment adviser representative,” according to the Texas Tribune.
The potential penalty for these securities law violations is as serious as “possible prosecution for a third-degree felony under state law,” according to the Houston Chronicle.
To date, you have yet to deny any of these charges. Instead, you have canceled campaign appearances and not answered any questions from voters or the press about these very serious allegations.
If you will not comply with the law, how can you be expected to enforce it?
We recognize that, as a citizen, you have a constitutional protection against self-incrimination. We do not, however, believe that your candidacy is entitled to the same protection.
You are seeking office as the top law enforcement official of the State. The citizens of Texas and every Texas peace officer deserves to hear Candidate Paxton’s responses to these charges.
If you cannot provide answers about these charges, we ask that you withdraw from the Attorney General’s race.
I look forward to your prompt reply.
Sincerely,
Josh Thurlkill, TMPA President
For more information, please contact TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence at (800) 848-2088 or kevin@tmpa.org.
Established in 1950, the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) is the voice of Texas law enforcement. Trusted, loyal and honest, TMPA is proud to represent more than 20,000 law enforcement officers across Texas. Focused on protecting those who serve, TMPA is committed to providing unmatched legal protection, dependable member support, affordable training and effective lobbying at state and local levels.
