Texas AG stepping in to investigate bid-rigging scandal within Judge Lina Hidalgo’s Office

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has intervened to aid the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Texas Rangers in the investigation into alleged tampering and misuse of official information within the administration of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

District Attorney Kim Ogg announced in a press conference that she has requested the Office of the Texas Attorney General to assume jurisdiction over six public corruption cases involving three former members of Judge Hidalgo’s office. While Ogg emphasized the importance of safeguarding public interest in the matter, she deferred the decision regarding additional defendants to the AG’s Office.

Describing the move as a “consent” rather than a recusal, Ogg clarified that it enables the Attorney General to exercise concurrent jurisdiction in prosecuting the case.

The investigation revolves around the awarding of an $11 million COVID-19 vaccine outreach contract to Elevate Strategies, a solo-operated firm lacking healthcare expertise. Former staffers Wallis Nader, Aaron Dunn, and Alex Triantaphyllis face charges of tampering and misuse of official information in relation to this contract.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Hidalgo’s staffers allegedly bypassed financial fitness requirements and shared bid details with Elevate Strategies before public disclosure. This development follows previous indictments in 2022 over bid-rigging charges.

Responding to criticisms of political influence, Ogg referenced her primary challenger, Sean Teare, highlighting his connections to the case. Teare, who formerly worked for attorney Dan Cogdell, has distanced himself from the case and advocated for an impartial review by an independent district attorney’s office.

Judge Hidalgo responded to Ogg’s actions, expressing disappointment and reiterating her belief in the political nature of the investigation. She criticized Ogg for transferring the case to Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom she perceives as having a history of targeting her and Harris County.

In response, the Attorney General’s Office has affirmed its commitment to prosecuting the case diligently, asserting its responsibility to uphold justice impartially.