Lavaca County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Travis Hill was arrested Saturday and is now staring down multiple felony counts tied to alleged sexual misconduct and prostitution. Hill, who also practices as a local criminal defense attorney, was taken into custody after what authorities describe as a sensitive, months-long investigation.
Texas Rangers-Led Investigation
In a Facebook release, the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office said the probe was carried out "with the highest level of professionalism" in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers, with Ranger James Sears leading the special investigation. Hill was arrested on charges of compelling prostitution (a first-degree felony), sexual assault (a second-degree felony) and solicitation of prostitution (a state-jail felony), according to News 4 San Antonio.
County Response And Recusal
Sheriff Steven E. Greenwell said the investigation is still active and urged the public not to identify possible victims on social media. He added that "no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection," according to local reporting. Because Hill is both an elected official and a practicing criminal defense lawyer, the Lavaca County Attorney’s Office has formally recused itself, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office has been asked to take over prosecution, as reported by KSAT.
Hill's Official Role
Hill serves as justice of the peace for Precinct 2 in Lavaca County, working out of a Moulton office that handles magistrate duties and small-claims matters. Local records list his physical office in Moulton, and reporting notes that his dual role as an elected judge and criminal defense attorney helped prompt the county attorney’s recusal and the request for the state attorney general to step in, per the sheriff’s release and Lavaca County records.
Legal Context
Under Texas law, those charge classifications carry very different potential penalties. A first-degree felony can result in 5 to 99 years or life in prison, a second-degree felony typically carries 2 to 20 years, and a state-jail felony usually carries 180 days to two years. The statutory ranges are set out in the Texas Penal Code.
How To Report Tips
The sheriff’s office has asked anyone with information to contact Lavaca County Crime Stoppers or the LCSO Criminal Investigation Division. Callers can remain anonymous and are asked to call 361-217-6753 if they have relevant information, according to reporting. Authorities say the investigation remains active and that additional charges could be filed as the probe continues, KSAT reported.
Hill is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, the sheriff’s office and local reporters have noted. County officials say they do not plan to release further details while the investigation and any related prosecution remain pending.
