A Bexar County judge with a history of public incidents is once again under fire, this time over alleged remarks and behavior inside her own courtroom.
Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, who oversees Reflejo Court in Bexar County, is facing sharp criticism after former staff members accused her of making inappropriate comments to defendants and of becoming increasingly aggressive conduct on the bench.
Allegations From Former Court Staff
According to interviews with local outlet KSAT, multiple former employees who worked with Reflejo Court described what they say was a dramatic shift in Gonzalez’s behavior over the past year. Reflejo Court is a trauma-informed program designed to help first-time domestic violence offenders address underlying issues rather than face jail time.
One former therapist, Cynthia Garcia, alleged that Gonzalez told a female defendant who had experienced a pregnancy scare to “invest in batteries” and buy a vibrator, suggesting it would cause her “less trouble.” Garcia said the remark was made in open court and left her stunned, given the program’s emphasis on sensitivity and rehabilitation.
Garcia also claimed Gonzalez verbally berated an 18-year-old homeless defendant after sexual content was found on his phone, allegedly calling him a “f**** poser” in front of others, an exchange she said left the teenager visibly shaken.
“[Gonzalez] began lashing out at defendants in court. I couldn’t believe some of the things that were being put on the record,” Garcia said.
“It Became Aggressive”
Another former care manager, Crystal Ochoa, echoed those concerns, saying Gonzalez’s demeanor became confrontational and dismissive.
“It became very much, ‘I’m the judge, I’m going to do this whether you like it or not,’” Ochoa told KSAT, calling the behavior inappropriate for a court focused on treatment rather than punishment.
Both Garcia and Ochoa were eventually removed from Reflejo Court, after which their roles with their respective nonprofits were either reduced or terminated. Each said they believe their removals were tied to conflicts with Gonzalez rather than job performance.
Power Struggles and Courtroom Incidents
The allegations extend beyond interactions with defendants and staff. In 2024, Gonzalez ordered defense attorney Elizabeth Russell to be placed in cuffs and held in the jury box during a courtroom dispute after threatening to hold her in contempt. Russell later filed a criminal complaint accusing the judge of oppression and unlawful restraint.
In September, Gonzalez also issued a no-contact order barring remaining court staff from communicating with several former workers, warning that violations could result in removal from the team.
A History of Headlines
Gonzalez is no stranger to public attention. She previously made national news after being fined nearly $2,500 in 2022 for attempting to bring a loaded, rainbow-painted firearm through San Antonio International Airport, an incident she said was an honest mistake.
She also drew controversy over a Pride flag displayed in her courtroom, which she was initially ordered to remove before later winning an appeal allowing it to remain.
Judge Responds
In a statement addressing the recent claims, Gonzalez declined to comment on specific allegations or individuals, citing privacy and process concerns.
“Out of respect for process, privacy, and the integrity of our partnerships, it is important that we allow the appropriate systems to function without speculation or distraction,” she said.
For now, the accusations continue to raise questions about leadership, accountability, and the balance of power inside a court meant to prioritize compassion, even as Gonzalez remains firmly in control of her courtroom.
