A Texas House oversight committee is examining the relationship between district attorneys and the Wren Collective, a criminal justice reform organization that has worked with prosecutors across the country, including Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
The hearing comes as the governor, lieutenant governor and Texas House speaker have said greater transparency and accountability for district attorneys will be a focus of the 2027 legislative session.
The issue has gained attention in Texas following investigations into the Wren Collective’s relationships with prosecutors and questions about how outside organizations may influence local prosecutorial policies.
In 2024, KSAT obtained thousands of emails and text messages involving Gonzales, his then-first assistant district attorney, Christian Henricksen, and Wren Collective founder Jessica Brand.
The messages showed discussions about prosecutorial policies involving marijuana, bail, sentencing and plea guidelines, among other issues.
More than a dozen people testified before the committee, including family members of crime victims and representatives of public safety organizations.
Sean Kennedy, of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, told lawmakers that Brand communicated directly with Gonzales and Henricksen about prosecutorial policies.
Kennedy alleged that Brand provided policies involving marijuana, bail, sentencing and plea guidelines and directed the office to drop a death penalty case and charges against a man who assaulted a police officer and was later shot by that officer.
Those claims were part of a broader focus on the Wren Collective’s relationship with Travis County District Attorney José Garza, whose office has also worked with the organization.
Brand was invited to attend the hearing but did not appear. In a statement to KSAT on Wednesday, Brand said she “never received a formal invitation to testify.”
“When the Chairman called me yesterday toward the end of day to invite me, I could no longer move a work obligation,” Brand said.
Gonzales’ name was also discussed during the hearing, although the committee’s focus was largely on Garza and Travis County.
Gonzales is not seeking reelection and is scheduled to leave office at the end of 2026.
The committee’s examination could lead to additional proposals during the 2027 legislative session.
KSAT will continue to follow the issue as lawmakers consider potential changes involving district attorneys and prosecutorial oversight.
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