Judge Recuses Himself in Speedlin Gonzalez Case, Retired Judge to Preside

Bexar County Criminal District Judge Ron Rangel is among several judges who declined to oversee the trial against Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Bexar County Criminal District Judge Ron Rangel has recused himself from presiding over the trial against Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, who was indicted in January on charges of unlawful restraint by a judicial officer and official oppression. The case has been assigned to retired Judge Oscar Hale Jr., who will take over after multiple local judges declined to handle the case following Rangel's recusal.

Why it matters

The recusal of multiple judges in this case highlights the complex dynamics and potential conflicts of interest that can arise when a sitting judge faces criminal charges. The suspension of Speedlin Gonzalez from the bench also raises questions about the administration of justice in Bexar County and the broader implications for public trust in the judicial system.

The details

Speedlin Gonzalez, who presides over County Court 13, was indicted on January 29 on the criminal charges. The case was then assigned to retired Judge Oscar Hale Jr., who spent nearly two decades as a district judge in Laredo, Texas, before leaving the post in December 2024. Hale was assigned the case after multiple local judges declined to take it over following Rangel's recusal.

  • On February 5, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Speedlin Gonzalez without pay.
  • Speedlin Gonzalez's January indictment came two weeks after KSAT Investigates revealed a December 2024 incident in which the judge ordered a defense attorney in her courtroom to be placed in handcuffs and seated in the jury box.
  • Speedlin Gonzalez made her initial court appearance last week and was released on bond.

The players

Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez

A judge who presides over County Court 13 in Bexar County, Texas, and was indicted in January on charges of unlawful restraint by a judicial officer and official oppression.

Judge Ron Rangel

The Bexar County Criminal District Judge who has recused himself from presiding over the trial against Judge Speedlin Gonzalez.

Judge Oscar Hale Jr.

A retired state district judge from Laredo, Texas, who has been assigned to preside over the trial against Judge Speedlin Gonzalez after multiple local judges declined to take the case.

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The takeaway

The suspension of Judge Speedlin Gonzalez and the recusal of multiple judges in her case raise significant questions about the administration of justice in Bexar County and the broader implications for public trust in the judicial system. This case underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the courts, even in the face of serious allegations against a sitting judge.