The Washington Examiner reported that investigators appearing before a state House committee have accused Texas Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton of committing multiple felonies.  

The four individuals presented their findings from a monthslong investigation to the Committee on General Investigating Wednesday.

Allegations include bribery and improper influence

The investigation centered on an attempt by the attorney general to have the legislature use $3.3 million in public money to settle corruption claims from former staffer in 2020.

Among the allegations were that Paxton has engaged in bribery and improper influence. The Examiner noted that Paxton has denied any wrongdoing.

"It is alarming and very serious having this discussion when millions of taxpayer dollars have been asked to remedy what is alleged to be some wrongs," Republican Chairman Andrew Murr was quoted as telling the Texas Tribune.

Wednesday's allegations were not the only reason why Paxton was in the news this week, as on Sunday he demanded that Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan resign over allegations of alcohol abuse.

Paxton says speaker has failed "to live up to his duty"

"After much consideration, it is with profound disappointment that I call on Speaker Dade Phelan to resign at the end of this legislative session," Paxton said in a statement posted to Twitter.

"Texans were dismayed to witness his performance presiding over the Texas House in a state of apparent debilitating intoxication," he asserted.

"His conduct has negatively impacted the legislative process and constitutes a failure to live up to his duty to the public," the Republican attorney general insisted.

"Texans were relying on the House to pass critical conservative priorities including protecting the integrity of our elections and preventing Chinese spies from controlling Texas land," he continued.

Video shows speaker slurring, struggling to remain coherent

Paxton complained that Phelan's "failures as speaker have created a credibility crisis for all Republican candidates and for our entire party."

"While I hope that Speaker Phelan will get the help he needs, he has proven himself unworthy of Texans' trust and incapable of leading the Texas House," the attorney general concluded.

Those words came after a video clip surfaced last week in which Phelan appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. In the footage, Phelan can be observed struggling to speak coherently and stand upright as he repeatedly slurs his words.

This is video from last night in the Texas House of Representatives where it appears that TX House Speaker Dade Phelan is either really drunk or having a stroke. pic.twitter.com/dbSG7AO30r

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 20, 2023