Lavaca County Justice of the Peace Arrested on Felony Charges

The Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office has been working in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Rangers on a sensitive criminal investigation involving Lavaca County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Travis Hill. As a result of that investigation, Mr. Hill was arrested (July 11) in Lavaca County.

Approximately six weeks ago, the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office and the Lavaca County Attorney’s Office became aware of allegations of misconduct involving Mr. Hill. Given the nature of the allegations and the position of public trust held by Mr. Hill as an elected official, the Texas Rangers were requested to conduct a special investigation. Texas Ranger James Sears led that investigation into multiple allegations.

As a result of the investigation, Mr. Hill has been charged with Compelling Prostitution, a first-degree felony, Sexual Assault, a second-degree felony, and Solicitation of Prostitution, a state jail felony.

Because Mr. Hill is both an elected official and a practicing criminal defense attorney within Lavaca County, the Lavaca County Attorney’s Office has formally recused itself from the prosecution of this case. Mr. Hill not only represents defendants as a privately retained defense attorney, but he is also assigned to represent indigent defendants within our local court systems. The Texas Attorney General’s Office has been requested to assume responsibility for prosecuting these charges to ensure the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed if warranted by the evidence.

As with any criminal defendant, Mr. Hill is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Allegations of misconduct involving any public official are among the most serious matters entrusted to law enforcement. Holding public office carries with it a responsibility to uphold the law and maintain the confidence of the citizens we serve. That confidence can only be preserved when allegations are investigated thoroughly, objectively, and without regard to a person’s title, position, or profession.

We recognize the significant public interest in this matter and are committed to providing accurate and timely information when appropriate. However, because this remains an active criminal investigation and pending prosecution, no further details will be released at this time that could compromise the integrity of the case.

The Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the professionalism, expertise, and partnership provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers throughout this investigation. Our shared commitment remains the same: to uphold the law fairly, protect the integrity of our public institutions, and maintain the trust of the citizens of Lavaca County through transparency, accountability, and equal justice under the law.

The Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public, due to the nature of this investigation, they should refrain from identifying potential victims or other related information within the comments of any post. Members of the public that wish to provide information about this investigation can do so by contacting the DPS Texas Rangers or the Lavaca County Crime Stoppers.

Sheriff Steven E. Greenwell issues the following statement: “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. When allegations involve a public official, our responsibility is even greater because the public has entrusted us to uphold the integrity of our offices and our justice system. We do not investigate people because of who they are or the office they hold, we investigate facts and follow the evidence wherever it leads. When credible allegations are brought forward, we have a duty to pursue them thoroughly, professionally, and without favoritism or prejudice.

I want the citizens of Lavaca County to know that this investigation was conducted with the highest level of professionalism in partnership with the Texas Rangers to ensure independence, objectivity, and transparency throughout the process. Holding public officials accountable under the same laws that apply to every citizen is essential to maintaining the trust and confidence of the people we serve.

At the same time, our justice system is founded upon due process. Mr. Hill, like every person charged with a crime, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Our responsibility is to present the facts, protect the integrity of the investigation, and allow the judicial process to proceed fairly. That commitment to equal justice under the law will continue to guide every decision made by the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office.

The citizens of Lavaca County deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and worthy of their trust. We remain committed to serving this community with integrity and to enforcing the law fairly and impartially, regardless of an individual’s title, position, or status.”