Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he hasn't spoken with indicted Attorney General Ken Paxton since the state's top lawyer was booked earlier this month on securities fraud charges.

Abbott said Monday he believes in innocence until proven guilty and urged the legal process to play out. Paxton is accused of defrauding investors in a tech startup before being elected attorney general in November.

The Republican turned himself into his hometown jail this month and says he will plead not guilty. His first court appearance could come early as Thursday.

Abbott served 11 years as attorney general. He says Paxton is following his playbook of fighting the federal government but says he hasn't "had a chance to dig in" into how his successor is handling the day-to-day duties of the office.