Rosemary Lehmberg (born c. 1949) is a former District Attorney of Travis County, which includes the capital city of Austin, Texas.
She worked in the 167th District Court as a trial attorney, was promoted multiple times and headed specialized legal divisions.
[2] In 2010, Lehmberg stated that the Hate Crimes Task Force she had started would be expanded due to the beating of two gay men in Austin, a case which remained unsolved.
[7] In 2011, Lehmberg denied that the sentencing of former House Representative Tom DeLay to three years in prison was a form of political payback by her office.
[8][9] In April 2013, motorists saw Lehmberg driving in a bike lane for over a mile on southbound FM 620, and at one point veering into oncoming traffic on Comanche trail.
[1] Lehmberg was taken into custody and while incarcerated officials claimed she was "uncooperative" and "aggressive" and had to be restrained with leg irons, handcuffs, and a spit mask.
[1] Lehmberg wrote a letter from jail to residents of Travis County apologizing for her behavior, vowing to get professional help and to not seek a third term in 2016.
In June 2013, Rick Reed, former prosecutor, filed a criminal complaint against Lehmberg for abuse of office, due to her threats and apparent attempts to obtain special treatment on the night of her arrest.
[17][18] When Lehmberg refused, Perry vetoed the office's funding, stating "The person charged with ultimate responsibility of that unit has lost the public's confidence.