Bexar County Court at Law Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez found herself on the other side of the courtroom after being arrested and charged with one count of unlawful restraint by a peace officer or judge, a second-degree felony, and official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor. According to FOX San Antonio, the indictment alleges that in December 2024, Speedlin Gonzalez "intentionally or knowingly restrained a person by restricting their movements without consent, substantially interfering with her liberty."
In response to an incident in her courtroom, wherein defense attorney Elizabeth Russell was handcuffed and seated in the jury box during a heated dispute over courtroom procedure, Speedlin Gonzalez was booked into Bexar County Jail and released on a $40,000 bond. As reported by Texas Public Radio (TPR), the conflict began when Russell challenged the judge’s handling of a hearing and refused to comply with her instructions, which led to the controversial restraint.
A special prosecutor, Brian Cromeens of Goliad County, was appointed after a motion for recusal was filed by the Bexar County District Attorney's office due to potential conflicts of interest. Meanwhile, despite her arrest, Speedlin-Gonzalez remains on the payroll, and her caseload has been distributed to other judges, as she awaits the outcome of the case. The office of Judge Speedlin-Gonzalez has not yet issued a comment regarding these events.
Speedlin Gonzalez, who has been a prominent figure due to her status as the first openly LGBTQ judge elected in Bexar County, is currently seeking reelection in the Democratic primary amid this legal turmoil. The judge, known for her outspoken stances on LGBTQ rights and immigration, has previously faced disciplinary actions, such as a public admonition for bringing a firearm to an airport and a reprimand for using Facebook to congratulate attorneys, according to TPR. Speedlin Gonzalez has denied all wrongdoing through her attorney and intends to "vigorously defend herself" against these latest charges.
