Texas Attorney General sues Muslim housing project
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a new lawsuit against a North Texas Muslim housing development
DALLAS, United States (MNTV) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a new lawsuit against a North Texas Muslim housing development previously known as EPIC City, intensifying a months-long legal and political campaign against the project now operating under the name “The Meadow.”
Paxton said he filed suit against the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), Community Capital Partners (CCP), and several affiliated leaders, alleging violations of Texas securities laws. He claimed the development was unlawfully structured and accused its leadership of financial misconduct.
The US Department of Justice had earlier opened a probe into the project but closed the investigation after finding no evidence of illegal intent.
The lawsuit alleges that the housing community was designed to be reserved exclusively for Muslim residents, which Paxton claims would violate state laws. It also alleges that project leaders embezzled funds during the development process.
Paxton has asked the Texas State Securities Board to review his office’s findings and examine whether the development violated investor protection rules.
“The leaders behind EPIC City have engaged in a radical plot to destroy hundreds of acres of beautiful Texas land and line their own pockets,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will relentlessly bring the full force of the law against anyone who thinks they can ignore the rules and hurt Texans. The unlawful land project known as EPIC City will be stopped.”
The development has drawn attention from Governor Greg Abbott and other senior Texas officials. Abbott has publicly stated that “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas,” in commentary about the project.
The East Plano Islamic Center and affiliated developers have also been contacted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding municipal utility district permits, and by the Texas Funeral Service Commission and Texas Workforce Commission as part of wider regulatory reviews.
Paxton has also opened investigations into communications between the project developers and city officials in Plano, Richardson and Wylie, while reviewing the operations of CCP.
US Senator John Cornyn earlier requested a DOJ investigation into the project, citing concerns about potential religious discrimination, though the federal inquiry was later dropped.
The developers have retained a prominent Texas attorney as they prepare their legal defense.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
