Meet Precinct 3 Constable Matt Lindemann

Matt Lindemann has worn several badges in his 36 years in Williamson County law enforcement, but none so humbly as Precinct 3 Constable. Having been unanimously appointed to fill the vacancy left by the sudden death of Kevin Stofle, the new Constable says, “I am proud to wear this badge and excited to work with the Precinct 3 staff, Judge McLean, Commissioners, and the people of Williamson County. Kevin was my friend and it was a difficult way to come into the job, but when the Stofle family asked me to continue his legacy, I was honored to have their confidence. Hal appreciated that I stepped up in a time when law enforcement is under such scrutiny. I know there will be those who are critical, but I will do my best and I won’t pretend to be something I’m not.” 

A LAWMAN’S LAWMAN

Our new Constable began his career, right out of the Academy, as a corrections officer for Williamson County. He says working in a jail was a great experience because handling inmates was an education on trying to keep people happy without giving them what they want. “It all comes down to treating them like human beings.” 

While at the jail, he met a Texas Ranger who was bringing Henry Lee Lucas to the jail, and the experience planted the seeds of wanting to be a Ranger himself. “My experience as a young Deputy Sheriff was invaluable. I was exposed to significant criminal activity, investigations, and natural disasters. I also learned the importance of working well with other agencies and officials in the county. It prepared me for a career in the Department of Public Safety.” 

In 1990, Trooper Lindemann graduated 7th in a class of 100 and worked as a Trooper in Cedar Park and Georgetown. He also served on the Special Weapons and Tactics team; and handled high-risk search and arrest warrants, hostage situations, and public protests. While in Georgetown, he also served as a volunteer firefighter. 

He was promoted to Sergeant in the Ranger Division in 1997 and was assigned to Northeast Texas, but quickly returned to Austin by request. He worked many criminal investigations, including a few high-profile bank robberies, kidnappings, and prison escapes. Ranger Lindemann was also assigned to Governor George Bush and Rick Perry’s Protective Details during their campaigns for President. He recalls, “Those assignments provided an exciting but unconventional experience in law enforcement. Everyone on the rope lines wanted to shake the Governors’ hand or get a photograph, so I learned to be tolerant and diplomatic in the course of my security duties.” 

In later years, he trained in forensic investigation and studied at the National Forensics Academy “body farm”; was an instructor in Digital Police Photography, a primary Ranger firearms instructor, and precision rifleman for six years, providing support to the S.W.A.T. team. Most of his career assignments involved great collaboration and partnership with law enforcement officers and agencies across the country. 

While he insists that his success is always attributable to working with local law enforcement, the FBI, and others, at least one Williamson County rancher has high praise for his work. Cattleman and business owner Jim Schwertner says, “Cattle rustling is still a serious offense in Texas and it doesn’t always involve taking cows through a fence. Matt Lindemann was responsible for the extradition of a man who wrote me a very large, fraudulent check for a lot of my cattle. He was also part of a task force that arrested the man who robbed one of my banks, and he personally returned the cash to me. I have always known him to be as honorable and reliable.” 

Mr. Lindemann says then, as now, “On a major investigation, you have to get everyone going in the same direction. There can be no egos and we all have one goal. As Constable, I have 11 great officers working here with me; I have never liked the for me.” 

Prior to his appointment, Constable Lindemann’s most recent position was as sergeant investigator with the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. He says, “It was very educational. As law enforcement, I was only in the courtroom long enough to give my own testimony. In the D.A.’s office, I was able to see trials from start to finish and it was very satisfying to work with victims; helping them navigate the legal experience and provide support to the prosecutors. I worked to make everything as simple as possible and put people at ease.” 

CONSTABLE’s OFFICE

County Judge Bill Gravell said, “Matt Lindemann has served the State of Texas very honorably with more than 36 years in law enforcement. He is a highly principled and respected law enforcement officer with extensive experience and training who will provide excellent leadership to the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.”

Constable Lindemann says, while he wasn’t ready to go into politics, he is eager to carry on in his new role. “Part of my goal is to assure the people who work here that Kevin and I were very like-minded and I am not going to change a bunch of things. He chose these officers and staff and I’ve known five of them for more than 20 years. I want everyone to know that things will be okay, and I want them to know I am a hands-off person as long as everyone is performing. I have faith in these people and that they will guide me through the process; if I am doing something wrong, I want them to tell me.” 

As a public-facing official, and as a former Ranger, he is used to engaging with citizens and is looking forward to meeting people in person. “People used to see the Ranger badge and stare. I would walk over and strike up a conversation to put them at ease. As Constable, I will do the same; I want to get to know individuals in a positive circumstance as often as possible.”