Developer tied to Texas AG accused judge, others of fraud

DALLAS — An Austin real estate developer at the center of recent allegations against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked for an investigation into his uncorroborated claims that other businessmen have an elaborate conspiracy to steal $200 million worth of his properties with the help of a federal judge. The developer accuses 11 people of an intricate fraud that was allegedly set to include the judge and another court-appointed official facilitating a “rigged auction.” The signed, 10-page “request to investigate” is one of two from Paul that were referred to Paxton’s office, setting off the remarkable revolt by the Republican’s staff. Paxton said he hired Houston criminal defense attorney Brandon Cammack to probe Paul’s claims of wrongdoing by the FBI, which searched the developer’s home and office last year. Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore said Paxton approached her office to set up a meeting with Paul and his lawyer and that local prosecutors referred both of Paul’s subsequent complaints to the attorney general’s office. The person with knowledge of the investigation in the attorney general’s office said Paxton’s top deputies did not see the second complaint and only learned of it from Cammack’s invoice.