Harris County Prosecutor Fired for Felony Strangulation Charge

CONROE, Texas – A Harris County prosecutor was swiftly terminated Friday after his arrest on a felony strangulation charge involving his wife in Montgomery County. Matthew Chance, who served nearly three years with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, was fired hours after being booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

Chance, 36, is charged with Assault of a Family/Household Member Impeding Breath/Circulation, a third-degree felony in Texas. The alleged incident reportedly occurred late Thursday, June 13, or early Friday morning, June 14, at the couple's home in Montgomery County.

According to officials with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call from the residence. Chance's wife told deputies that he had grabbed her by the throat and placed her in a headlock. She managed to escape and contact emergency services. Responding deputies reportedly observed redness and visible marks on her neck, consistent with her account.

Chance's bond was set at $50,000. He was scheduled for his initial court appearance on Monday, June 17, in Montgomery County. A third-degree felony in Texas carries a potential punishment of 2 to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Prior to his termination, Chance had been assigned to Misdemeanor Court 1 for the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg confirmed Chance's firing in a statement released Friday. "Our office took swift and decisive action upon learning of the arrest of Matthew Chance," Ogg stated. "We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for such offenses, especially when they involve those sworn to uphold the law."

The Harris County District Attorney's Office reiterated its commitment to accountability and public trust, particularly when allegations involve its own staff. The investigation into the incident is ongoing by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.