Texas Judge Arrested on Sexual Assault and Prostitution Charges Shocks Small Community

A Judge Behind Bars

Lavaca County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Travis Hill was arrested in Lavaca County following what the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office described as a "sensitive criminal investigation" conducted with the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers. The arrest sent shockwaves through Hallettsville, the small South Texas county seat where Hill served as both an elected judge and a practicing attorney — two roles that make the charges against him all the more jarring.

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. The severity of those charges — particularly the first-degree felony — means Hill could face decades in prison if convicted. Compelling prostitution, under Texas law, involves coercing or inducing another person into the sex trade, and it carries some of the harshest penalties in the state criminal code.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The sheriff's office said it and the Lavaca County Attorney's Office became aware of allegations of misconduct involving Hill about six weeks ago. Because Hill is an elected official, the Texas Rangers were asked to conduct a special investigation. That decision to bring in the Rangers reflects standard protocol in Texas when local law enforcement has potential conflicts of interest with a public official under scrutiny.

Texas Ranger James Sears led the investigation into multiple allegations. The sheriff's office said the investigation remains active and additional charges may be filed if warranted by the evidence. That last detail is significant — authorities are signaling this case may not be fully contained. Investigators are still pulling on threads, and the public has been urged to come forward with any relevant information.

Conflicts of Interest Prompt Outside Prosecution

Due to Hill's role as both an elected official and a practicing criminal defense attorney in Lavaca County, the Lavaca County Attorney's Office has recused itself from prosecuting the case. The Texas Attorney General's Office has been asked to assume responsibility for prosecuting the charges "to ensure the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process." It's a rare but necessary step — one that underscores just how deeply Hill was embedded in the local legal system.

The Lavaca County Attorney's Office stated, "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." Sheriff Steven E. 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.

Community Asked to Come Forward

The sheriff's office asked the public not to identify potential victims or share related information on social media due to the sensitive nature of the case. That request speaks to the vulnerability of those who may have been harmed — and the importance of protecting them as this case moves through the courts. The agency also emphasized that Hill "is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law," and asked that witnesses with information contact the Lavaca County Crime Stoppers website or Facebook page, or call the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 361-217-6753, noting that callers can remain anonymous.

With the Texas Attorney General's Office now steering the prosecution and the Rangers still actively investigating, this case is far from over. For a small community where a judge is supposed to represent justice, the road to restoring that trust will be long — and it starts with a fair and thorough legal process.