parks
Sex abuse victim family says they’re “tired of being used” for politics amid Talarico attacks
By Taylor Goldenstein at The Texas Tribune
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
Talarico has been attacking Paxton on the campaign trail over his office’s handling of a case where a Waco man was charged with sexually abusing a young boy.
Why this matters in The Waco
The controversy surrounding Attorney General Paxton's handling of a sex abuse case in Waco has sparked a heated debate in the community, with the victim's family now speaking out against the politicization of their traumatic experience. As the campaign trail intensifies, Waco residents are watching closely to see how local leaders will respond to the family's pleas to prioritize their well-being over political gain. The fact that this case originated in Waco means that the community has a vested interest in ensuring that justice is served and that victims of sex abuse receive the support they need. The city's social services and law enforcement agencies will be under scrutiny to provide adequate resources and care for families affected by similar crimes, making the outcome of this case a significant concern for local residents.
About this story
Original reporting by The Texas Tribune . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit The Texas Tribune . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: The Texas Tribune ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Talarico has been attacking Paxton on the campaign trail over his office’s handling of a case where a Waco man was charged with sexually abusing a young boy.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by The Texas Tribune and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Taylor Goldenstein at The Texas Tribune. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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