A Texas judge who gained national attention for displaying a pride flag in her courtroom now faces felony charges after allegedly ordering a defense attorney handcuffed and held in a jury box.
Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez turned herself in Thursday on charges of unlawful restraint and official oppression, the New York Post reported. The 60-year-old became the first openly LGBTQ judge elected in the county when she took office in 2019.
“I’m a proud public servant, I’m LGBTQ, I own a gun, I’m bilingual, I’m an American citizen — and I have every right to defend myself,” Gonzalez told the outlet. (RELATED: Ethics Complaint Against Obama Judge Not Properly Investigated)
The charges stem from a December 2024 hearing where Gonzalez clashed with defense attorney Elizabeth Russell, according to court transcripts obtained by KSAT. Russell asked to speak with her client after he pleaded “true” to a probation violation. Gonzalez refused and said attorneys cannot coach their clients.
Bexar County Court at Law Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez was indicted Thursday, more than a year after investigators said she had an attorney handcuffed during a dispute in her courtroom.
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— KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) January 29, 2026
When Russell objected, the judge ordered the bailiff to “take her into custody and put her in the box,” the transcript states. Russell was handcuffed and placed in the jury box.
A grand jury indicted Gonzalez on one felony count of unlawful restraint by a judicial officer and one misdemeanor count of official oppression, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The felony carries up to 20 years in prison. A special prosecutor was appointed after the local district attorney’s office stepped aside.
Gonzalez previously paid a civil penalty in 2022 after TSA agents found a loaded handgun in her carry-on bag at the San Antonio airport, KSAT reported. She also fought a four-year legal battle over her right to display a rainbow flag in her courtroom. She won on appeal in 2023.
Gonzalez is seeking reelection in the March Democratic primary, Texas Public Radio reported.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct had not acted against Gonzalez as of Thursday. No court date has been set.
