About Jennifer Tharp
Jennifer Tharp – Criminal District Attorney, Comal County
Jennifer Tharp serves as the Criminal District Attorney for Comal County, a rapidly growing community of more than 200,000 residents. Now in her fourth term, Jennifer has earned a reputation for leadership, compassion, and integrity while addressing the county’s evolving justice needs. Under her direction, the District Attorney’s Office has partnered with law enforcement, schools, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen community safety, with a special focus on protecting children and keeping roads safe.
In addition to criminal prosecution, Jennifer represents Comal County and its elected officials in matters of economic development, contracts, employment, real estate, taxation, and environmental protection.
Leadership in Law and Legislation
Jennifer is widely recognized across Texas for her work in shaping criminal justice policy. She has testified before both House and Senate Committees at the Texas Capitol, lending her expertise to major legislative initiatives. During the 89th Legislative Session, she supported and helped pass laws on bail reform, organized retail theft, and gift card fraud. In previous sessions, she played key roles in drafting and advancing legislation on issues including:
- Invasive Visual Recording (“Upskirting”)
- Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material (“Revenge Porn”)
- Family Violence Evidence (Article 38.371)
- Victim privacy and confidentiality
- Long-term protective orders
- Cyberbullying (“David’s Law”)
In 2012, Governor Rick Perry appointed Jennifer to the Parental Rights Committee to study child custody laws. Her work contributed to the passage of House Bill 1206, signed into law that same year.
In 2025, Jennifer was appointed Chair of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Justice and Public Safety Policy Steering Committee, representing the interests of more than 3,000 counties nationwide.
Recognition and Service
Jennifer’s dedication has earned her statewide recognition. She was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2015 by the State Bar of Texas and the Texas District and County Attorneys Association (TDCAA), and in 2016 by the Texas Gang Investigators Association. In 2018, the Texas Council on Family Violence honored her with the Texas Partner for
Change Award for her work combating domestic violence.
She has served as Chair of TDCAA, sits on numerous boards—including the Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County, Texas Association of Counties, and the Comal County Juvenile Board—and remains active in local organizations such as CASA, NBCA Accountability Council, New Braunfels Conservatives, and the Braunfels Foundation.
Protecting Children and Families
A hallmark of Jennifer’s career is her relentless focus on protecting children. She has secured tough sentences for child abusers, defended convictions on appeal, and even pioneered the use of therapy dogs in court to reduce trauma for young victims. She also co-founded the Comal Cops for Kids Foundation, which raises thousands of dollars annually to support at-risk children.
Her community outreach includes speaking to hundreds of students each year about the dangers of impaired driving, drug use, online safety, and criminal activity, with the goal of empowering young people to make positive choices.
Road Safety Initiatives
Jennifer has also been a leader in reducing impaired driving. In 2011, she helped establish Comal County as a “No-Refusal” county during high-risk holiday periods, later expanding it into a year-round program. The model has since been adopted by other Texas counties and credited with reducing DWI injuries and fatalities statewide.
Career and Education
Jennifer began her career in public service as a litigator with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, defending the State of Texas. She joined the Comal County District Attorney’s Office in 2004, serving in several roles—including Chief Civil Prosecutor—before being elected District Attorney in 2010. She is the first woman and youngest person to hold the office in Comal County.
A native of New Braunfels, Jennifer graduated cum laude from Texas Lutheran University and earned her law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law, which honored her as Distinguished Young Alumna in 2012.
Personal Life
Jennifer has been married to her husband, Dan Tharp, for 23 years. Dan is Director of Enterprise Media & Strategy at USAA. Together they have two sons and are active members of Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels.
