Judge suspended without pay following alleged courtroom handcuffing and indictment
An order was issued to suspend without pay Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez of Bexar County, Texas, on Thursday, a week after she was indicted on restraint and oppression charges. (Photo from the Bexar County, Texas, County Court 13 website)
An order was issued to suspend without pay Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez of Bexar County, Texas, on Thursday, a week after she was indicted on restraint and oppression charges.
The suspension order by the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct follows Speedlin Gonzalez’s Jan. 29 indictment for allegedly ordering the handcuffing of defense attorney Elizabeth Russell inside the jury box of her courtroom, according to coverage by Texas Public Radio.
The judge faces charges of unlawful restraint and official oppression—a felony punishable by up to 20 years and a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year, respectively.
According to the commission, the suspension will be immediate and remain in place until the indictment charges are dismissed, whether the judge is acquitted, or whether further orders are put in place. Speedlin Gonzalez has denied wrongdoing.
See also:
Judge indicted after ordering attorney to be handcuffed inside jury box
Write a letter to the editor, share a story tip or update, or report an error.
