July 5, 2007 3:24 PM

FORMER SENATOR DREW NIXON INDICTED FOR OFFICIAL OPPRESSION

Misdemeanor charges stem from Nixon's alleged initial refusal to accept ballot applications in local water district election

We reprint the Attorney General's press release:

A Panola County grand jury charged former State Sen. Drew Nixon, 47, with illegally committing acts of official oppression prior to the 2006 local election. The two-count indictment, which was unsealed today, stems from an investigation by the office of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Earlier this year, officers with the Texas Attorney General's office began investigating several pre-election irregularities involving the May 2006 Panola County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 board member elections. At the time the irregularities occurred, Nixon allegedly served as both accountant and election administrator for the district. The state's investigation revealed Nixon's attempts to impede two prospective water district board candidates from appearing on the election ballot.