Rep. Phil King Renews His Call for District Attorney Lehmberg to Resign

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AUSTIN – Today, State Representative Phil King (R – Weatherford) renewed his call for the head of the Travis County Public Integrity Unit to resign. Rosemary Lehmberg, the Travis County District Attorney, is currently serving a jail sentence for a DWI conviction in which she was three times over the legal limit. She has refused to resign from office. Ms. Lehmberg heads the Public Integrity Unit, the only law enforcement organization in Texas whose sole responsibility is to ensure the integrity of public officials.

King stated, “Anyone can make a mistake, but the belligerence Ms. Lehmberg showed to the police officers and jail personnel was extraordinary. The public should go on-line and review these recordings.”

Videos show that Ms. Lehmberg had to be physically restrained by jail personnel; even a “spit mask” was necessary. In recordings Ms. Lehmberg is seen arguing with officers and kicking the door to her cell.

Lehmberg: “If you wanna take me to jail, take me to jail. And you’re gonna ruin my career.”

Lehmberg: “I don’t care who you are but take these [expletive] handcuffs off me. Now! I mean like now! I am not drunk. I am not a criminal. I’m the [expletive] district attorney!”

The Public Integrity Unit was created by the legislature to investigate crimes by public officials. It is funded by the state, and the legislature may move the unit and its funding to another agency.

“I was a police officer for 15 years and I can assure you that any officer would have been terminated immediately for such conduct. In fact, I’m sure Ms. Lehmberg would fire her assistant prosecutors had they been arrested and then shown such direct contempt for the law,” King stated, “I strongly encourage Ms. Lehmberg to do what her position of public trust requires and immediately resign.”