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In yet another sign of turmoil at the embattled Texas Attorney General’s Office, two of Ken Paxton’s top lieutenants have left the agency, just months after they sacrificed their own paychecks to help defend him in his impeachment trial.
According to an email from attorney general spokesperson Paige Willey on Wednesday, Solicitor General Judd Stone and Assistant Attorney General Christopher Hilton have resigned from their positions. The reason for their resignation is to pursue private practice at the Stone Hilton Law Firm. However, Willey did not provide any details regarding the specific date of their resignation when questioned.
The identity of Stone’s successor as the state’s top appellate lawyer, the solicitor general, was not disclosed by the attorney general’s office when questioned.
Stone and Hilton were among six attorney general lawyers and one executive assistant who took leave without pay starting in May to help Paxton’s defense team as he prepared to face an impeachment trial in the Texas Senate. The Senate acquitted Paxton of the House’s charges of bribery and misuse of office on Sept. 16. Paxton denied any wrongdoing, calling the proceedings a political witch hunt.
The Texas Tribune obtained emails through a public records request, revealing that the attorneys who had left to work on Paxton’s defense were supposed to return to the agency after the impeachment trial. The emails indicated that by October 9th, they were all either back or had plans to return. However, their prolonged absence raised concerns within the organization about its ability to operate effectively.
In a September 28 email, Austin Kinghorn, the general counsel of the OAG, stated that the employees at the OAG have crucial responsibilities. While the agency has been able to carry on its operations without these employees so far, their absence poses a hindrance to fulfilling the agency’s legal obligations in the long run, especially for those employees who hold leadership positions.
At that juncture, Kinghorn noted that none of the employees had conveyed their intentions to return to the agency.
He stated his concern regarding the reports of one or more employees potentially engaging in soliciting business and/or practicing law outside the authorized scope granted by the OAG.
Kinghorn instructed Brent Webster, the First Assistant Attorney General, and Henry De La Garza, the head of human resources, to request their return by October 2nd. Webster consented to this request.
Webster responded, stating that considering my approval and the reasons I provided for it, I feel compelled to terminate the leave and revert things back to their state before the impeachment.
According to Alejandro Garcia, the spokesperson for the Stone Hilton law firm, it was always Stone and Hilton’s intention to briefly return to the attorney general’s office after the trial to complete any pending tasks before permanently transitioning to their new private practice. Garcia stated that Stone and Hilton are confident in the way they managed this transition process.
In the autumn of 2020, Stone and Hilton achieved great success within the attorney general’s office, coinciding with the departure of several esteemed employees who later filed a whistleblower lawsuit against Paxton. This lawsuit played a crucial role in motivating state House leaders to initiate impeachment proceedings against Paxton. The whistleblowers claimed that Paxton was exploiting his position to assist his friend and donor, Nate Paul, who believed he was the victim of an extensive conspiracy involving federal and local law enforcement.
After Kyle Hawkins left, Stone was appointed as the agency’s top appellate lawyer, holding the prestigious position of solicitor general. Notable figures like Ted Cruz, currently a U.S. senator, and Jim Ho, presently a federal appeals court judge, have previously occupied this role. Stone assumed the position in January 2021.
The statement on Stone’s departure was provided by Ho to the Tribune.
Ho said, “Being a proud alum of the SG’s office, I foresee that Judd will be recognized as one of Texas’ most influential and skilled advocates for a long time.”
According to agency organizational charts, Hilton progressed from leading the general litigation division, responsible for significant cases, to becoming a deputy chief by fall 2020. By March 2022, he further advanced to the position of chief.
Hilton interrupted a House General Investigating Committee meeting in May as members discussed whether to impeach Paxton, demanding to testify on behalf of the attorney general’s office. He was rebuffed by the impeachment managers who went into executive session almost immediately after gaveling in.
Hilton asserted, “In the midst of this investigation, it is crucial that the public receives communication from this office. The voters strongly support Ken Paxton, and this committee’s refusal to let us voice our perspective today and their lack of outreach throughout the investigative process is an attempt to impede the voters’ choice. Our right to express ourselves in this forum must be acknowledged.”
Zach Despart contributed to this story.