Texas Judge and Defense Attorney Arrested on Felony Prostitution Charges

An Elected Official Behind Bars

Lavaca County Justice of the Peace Travis Hill was arrested on 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 South Texas community of Hallettsville, where Hill serves not only as an elected judge but also holds a prominent role in the local legal community.

The investigation began approximately 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. Texas Ranger James Sears conducted the investigation, which involved multiple allegations against Hill.

A Unique and Complicated Position

What makes this case particularly striking is the dual role Hill occupies in Lavaca County's legal system. 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. That's a remarkable step — one that underscores just how deeply Hill's professional ties run throughout the county's courts.

A justice of the peace in Texas handles a range of legal matters, from small claims cases and Class C misdemeanor proceedings to conducting inquests. The fact that someone in that position now faces felony charges — particularly charges related to compelling prostitution, which implies coercion of another person into the sex trade — adds a deeply troubling layer to an already serious case.

Accountability and Due Process

The Lavaca County Attorney's Office said it generally does not comment on pending criminal cases but released information about Hill's arrest because he is an elected official. "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," the office said in a statement.

Sheriff 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. "Our responsibility is to present the facts, protect the integrity of the investigation, and allow the judicial process to proceed fairly," Greenwell said. It's a careful balance — transparency without prejudging the outcome — and one that local officials appear to be navigating deliberately.

What Comes Next

The investigation remains ongoing. With the Texas Attorney General's Office now stepping in to handle prosecution, the case moves out of local hands entirely — a necessary safeguard given Hill's deep roots in the county's legal infrastructure. Any conflict of interest, real or perceived, is effectively neutralized by that transfer of authority.

For residents of Hallettsville and Lavaca County, the arrest raises uncomfortable questions about who they've entrusted with judicial power. As the case moves through the courts, the community will be watching closely — and the broader lesson rings clear: elected office offers no immunity from the law, and in some ways demands an even higher standard of conduct from those who hold it.