Democrat James Talarico seeks records as he presses AG Ken Paxton over child sexual abuse case

WASHINGTON - Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico said Thursday he has requested records from Attorney General Ken Paxton's office related to the Adam Hoffman child sexual abuse case, opening a new front in his criticism of the attorney general's handling of the case.

Talarico said he recently filed a Public Information Act request seeking emails, communications and other records related to the prosecution, as he presses Paxton to explain why the Waco attorney served about a month in jail after originally facing charges that could have sent him to prison for life.

"Adam Hoffman should've served 25 years to life for sexually assaulting a young boy," Talarico said. "Instead, the well-connected Waco lawyer served less than a month in jail. Texans deserve answers about this Epstein-style sweetheart deal."

The case became a major line of attack for Sen. John Cornyn during the Republican runoff, but Paxton dismissed the criticism and went on to win the Senate nomination.

Talarico, an Austin state representative who now faces Paxton in the November election, has sought to renew scrutiny of the AG's work.

Paxton's office has rejected criticism of the deal and his campaign accused Talarico of exploiting the victim for political gain.

"Every time James Talarico chooses to bring this case up he is intentionally re-traumatizing the child victim for personal gain," Paxton spokesperson Madison Cercy said.

Paxton's office took over the prosecution after the McLennan County District Attorney's Office cited a conflict.

Hoffman's first trial last year ended in a mistrial after jurors deadlocked. He was accused of sexually abusing a boy for three years on sleepovers when the boy was between the ages of 6 and 10.

Prosecutors later reached a plea agreement after the victim declined to testify again, allowing Hoffman to plead guilty to two misdemeanors. A judge sentenced him to 60 days in jail, and he served about half that time.

The AG's prosecutors have defended the agreement, saying it spared the victim from a second trial while ensuring Hoffman admitted guilt and served jail time.

State Reps. Jeff Leach of Allen and Pat Curry of Waco, both Republicans, have criticized the outcome and said they plan to pursue legislation strengthening child sexual abuse prosecutions.

Critics of the agreement, including the victim's mother, have said Hoffman received favorable treatment because of his connections. Hoffman's attorney has disputed that.

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