Texas Judge and Defense Attorney Arrested on Felony Prostitution Charges

A Judge on Both Sides of the Law

Lavaca County Justice of the Peace Travis Hill was arrested Saturday morning on felony charges of compelling prostitution and solicitation of prostitution, following an investigation by the Texas Rangers. The arrest sent shockwaves through the small Texas community of Hallettsville — not only because Hill held one of the county's most trusted judicial positions, but because of the extraordinary conflict of interest his dual roles created.

Because Hill serves as an elected justice of the peace and also practices locally as a criminal defense attorney, the Lavaca County Attorney's Office has recused itself from the case and requested that the Texas Attorney General's Office assume responsibility for the prosecution. In other words, a man who regularly stood in judgment of others — and who defended clients against criminal charges — now faces serious felony allegations himself.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The investigation began about six weeks ago after Lavaca County officials became aware of allegations of misconduct involving Hill. Lavaca County Sheriff Steven E. Greenwell and the county attorney then requested assistance from the Texas Rangers, and Texas Ranger James Sears conducted the investigation, which involved multiple allegations against Hill.

Hill was charged with compelling prostitution, a first-degree felony, and solicitation of prostitution, a state jail felony. Under Texas law, compelling prostitution is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison upon conviction. The decision to bring in the Texas Rangers rather than handle the case locally was deliberate. Sheriff Greenwell said the investigation was conducted in partnership with the Texas Rangers to maintain independence, objectivity, and transparency.

Officials Stress Accountability — and Due Process

"No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection," Greenwell said in a statement, adding that when allegations involve a public official, the responsibility is even greater because the public has entrusted officials to uphold the integrity of the justice system. The county attorney's office, which normally does not comment on pending criminal cases, made an exception here. The office stated that "when an elected official is arrested on alleged felony conduct, it is critical that the citizens of Lavaca County be informed so they can follow the court proceedings."

Greenwell said holding public officials accountable under the same laws as other citizens is necessary to maintain public trust, but emphasized that Hill is entitled to due process. That balance — between transparency and fairness — is at the heart of how local officials have handled every public statement since the arrest. The investigation, notably, remains ongoing.

What Comes Next

The case now moves to the Texas Attorney General's Office, which will take the lead on prosecution. That transfer of authority is significant: it removes any appearance of local favoritism and places the case in the hands of a statewide office with no direct ties to Lavaca County's legal community. Given that Hill was himself a fixture of that community — simultaneously a judge and a defense lawyer — the separation is both legally appropriate and symbolically important.

For residents of Hallettsville and the broader Lavaca County area, the coming weeks will bring hard questions about oversight of elected officials and the systems meant to hold them accountable. A first-degree felony conviction for compelling prostitution could carry a life sentence under Texas law. As the case moves forward, the community will be watching to see whether the institutions they trusted — the courts, the sheriff's office, and the attorney general — can deliver justice impartially, regardless of who sits in the defendant's chair.