AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man who is promising free housing for those willing to move to a rural part of West Texas now faces a lawsuit from the state’s attorney general.
According to a news release from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, Malcolm Tanner is accused of orchestrating an “illegal scheme” to take political control of Loving County, the least-populated county in Texas. Paxton is also requesting a temporary restraining order to stop him.
In videos posted on social media, Tanner claims he’s building 100 free homes — and he’s offering $5,000 a month to people willing to move to the area.
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According to the lawsuit, Tanner owns two undeveloped five-acre plots in Loving County. Investigative reporting from the Houston Chronicle reveals that roughly three dozen people have already moved to the area, many living in RVs, tents or makeshift shelters.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office alleges these settlements violate the Texas Health and Safety Code because of improper sewage disposal and a lack of sanitation.
“His deceptive and unlawful scheme to lure people with free housing for the purpose of conducting a political takeover is a disgustingly fraudulent plot to line his own pockets,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will not stand by while frauds try to carve up Texas for themselves and make everyone sicker and less safe along the way”.
Videos posted on Tanner’s Facebook feature captions like ”Come build a future together. Say yes and join the movement.” Other posts mention “free political homes.” His page shows videos of a handful of people building, dancing or walking in the community.
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NewsNation affiliate KXAN reached out to Tanner through social media and the Clubhouse app he frequently promotes, but has not yet received a response.
Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Eric Dexheimer, in his investigation, said Tanner has said on social media that the goal is to get enough people in the area to register to vote to win county seats. The county has a population of just 64 people, according to Census data. Tanner also claims to be running for president in 2028.
The Temporary Restraining Order seeks to halt further habitation on Tanner’s land until it complies with health regulations and to prevent further sewage discharge that could contaminate soil or water.
