Jennifer Tharp Biography

Jennifer Tharp was born in Comal County to Jimmy and Beth Owens.  Her family has been active within the community for the past four decades.  She graduated from New Braunfels High School and attended Texas Lutheran University, graduating cum laude.  She attended St. Mary’s University School of Law where she earned her law degree.  After graduation, she accepted a position with Attorney General Greg Abbott in the General Litigation Division in Austin.  There, she defended the State of Texas, state agencies and state officials.  When the opportunity presented itself, Jennifer returned home to join the Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s Office under the leadership of Dib Waldrip.

Jennifer has served in a range of positions in the Comal County District Attorney’s Office since beginning in April of 2004.  She began by prosecuting Class C Misdemeanors in JP Court.  As a Juvenile Prosecutor, she worked tirelessly with the JP Judges, Juvenile Probation, and school officials to get children to school and reduce drugs in our schools.  She has worked to reduce domestic violence and provide protection for our children.  She has successfully prosecuted hundreds of cases ranging from Domestic Abuse to Attempted Capital Murder.

Jennifer’s dedication, hard work, and leadership abilities led to a promotion to Chief Civil Prosecutor, where she assumed Geoff Barr’s responsibilities when he became the District Attorney.  In her current role as Chief of the Civil Section, she leads a team of highly talented attorneys and staff.  Jennifer represents Comal County, the Commissioners Court, all Comal County officials and the citizens in legal matters including economic development, employment, contracts, real estate, tax and environmental protection.  She has testified before the Texas State Legislature on behalf of the citizens of Comal County to ensure that their families and property are protected.

Jennifer currently serves as President of the Comal County Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T.) and Vice President Public Relations for the New Braunfels Republican Women.  She is a Co-Founder of Comal Cops for Kids Foundation and a Board Member of Upstarts.  Jennifer is active with the Teen Court Task Committee, the Comal County Bar Association, the Sherriff’s Citizen Academy, Leadership New Braunfels, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Comal County, and C.A.S.A, (Court Appointed Special Advocates).