After Crimes in Fayette County, Manhunt, Area Justice of the Peace Takes His Life
Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said Lavaca County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Travis Hill committed suicide in Gonzales County on Thursday, July 16, as law enforcement attempted to take him into custody.
According to a report from the LCSO, the U.S. Marshals Service was assisting local law enforcement to locate Hill, who was charged last week on three felony charges related to prostitution and sexual assault.
“Mr. Hill was located this evening at a remote location in Gonzales County,” said a statement from the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office. “During law enforcement’s encounter with Mr. Hill, he committed suicide. The investigation is still underway, and more details may be available after the conclusion of the investigation.”
Last week the Record learned that the crimes Hill was accused of committing allegedly took place in Fayette County.
Hill was initially arrested July 11 in Lavaca County. LCSO said in statement that day that both they and the Lavaca County Attorney’s Office became aware of allegations of misconduct involving Hill about six weeks prior.
“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,” the statement said. “Texas Ranger James Sears led that investigation into multiple allegations.”
As a result of the investi- gation, Hill was charged with compelling prostitution, a first degree felony; sexual assault, a second degree felony; and solicitation of prostitution, a state jail felony. Hill posted bond and was released.
The Lavaca County Attorney’s Office recused itself from the case since Hill served as a JP there. Hill was also a practicing attorney and served as a court-appointed defense attorney in the area.
Lavaca County Sheriff Steven E. Greenwell issued a statement the day of Hill’s arrest.
“No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection,” Greenwell said. “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.”
Last Thursday, a Fayette County Grand Jury met and indicted Hill on the three counts of compelling prostitution, solicitation and sexual assault. The Record spoke to Fayette County Attorney James Herbrich at the Courthouse Thursday, and he confirmed that the acts allegedly took place in Fayette County.
“The charges are out of Fayette County because he does own a home in Fayette County,” Herbrich said. “The offenses that are currently pending against him are out of Fayette County, out of the house in Fayette County.”
The Record obtained copies of the indictments on Friday, which allege that Hill compelled a victim to engage in prostitution in exchange for legal services. The victim in the case is referred to anonymously as AV2.
The indictment alleges that Hill threatened “to withdraw legal services and/or representation, knowingly cause AV2 to commit prostitution, and/or … threatening to take or withhold action as a public servant, or to cause a public servant to take or withhold action, knowingly cause AV2 to commit prostitution.”
The indictment goes on to allege that Hill sexually assaulted the person known as “AV2.”
A separate indictment for the solicitation offense refers to a victim as “AV1.” It is unclear whether there are two victims involved. The indictment for solicitation states that Hill “did then and there knowingly offer a fee to another person, namely, AV1 for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with AV1, namely sexual contact and the fee constituted providing legal services to AV1.”
Last week, Hill failed to report for an appointment to be fitted with an ankle monitor. He was also scheduled to represent clients in court last week but didn’t show up. Last Friday, LCSO stated that additional warrants were issued and the manhunt ensued after Hill failed to follow the conditions of his bond. The criminal charges are moot now that Hill is deceased.
The Record has filed a Public Information Act request with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, and Lavaca County authorities for all documents related to the Hill investigation. Look for more on this story in a future issue of the Record.