Harris County ADA Fired, Strangulation Charge

**Former Harris County ADA Ryan Gertz Fired, Charged with Felony Strangulation After The Woodlands Incident**

**THE WOODLANDS, TX** – A prominent figure in Harris County's legal community, Ryan Patrick Gertz, a former Assistant District Attorney, has been terminated from his position and is now facing a serious third-degree felony charge of strangulation following an alleged domestic disturbance in The Woodlands.

Gertz, 36, was arrested last week after an incident that unfolded in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) confirmed they responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a residence in The Woodlands during the early hours of Monday, July 24, 2023.

According to initial reports released by the MCSO, Gertz is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The victim told deputies that Gertz choked her, pushed her against a wall, and at one point, threatened her with a knife. She further alleged that Gertz had physically assaulted her on a previous occasion, punching her. Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the incident. Gertz has reportedly claimed self-defense.

Based on the preliminary investigation, Gertz was taken into custody the following day, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail and charged with strangulation, a third-degree felony under Texas law. Bond was subsequently set at $10,000.

On the same day as his arrest and charge, the Harris County District Attorney's Office (HCDAO) confirmed Gertz's termination. "Mr. Gertz is no longer employed by the Harris County District Attorney's Office," a spokesperson stated, declining to elaborate further on personnel matters. District Attorney Kim Ogg has previously emphasized a strict code of conduct for her prosecutors, especially concerning violent offenses.

A third-degree felony in Texas carries a potential prison sentence of two to ten years and a fine of up to $10,000. Strangulation in a domestic violence context is considered particularly serious due to the high risk of severe injury or fatality.

Prior to his termination, Gertz served as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County, a role that involves prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state. His specific assignments within the HCDAO were not immediately disclosed, but prosecutors in this role often handle a wide range of felony offenses.

The arrest and subsequent charges send shockwaves through local legal circles, highlighting the personal and professional consequences of such allegations, especially for those tasked with upholding the law.

Gertz's legal proceedings will now move through the Montgomery County court system. He is expected to appear for future court dates, where he will have the opportunity to formally enter a plea and address the charges against him. The investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is ongoing.

[Link to Montgomery County Sheriff's Office public records search or official press release, if available] [Link to Harris County District Attorney's Office website for general information] [Link to Texas Penal Code Section 22.04 on Assault and Strangulation]