Lavaca County JP arrested on felony prostitution charges
Published 9:41 am Saturday, July 11, 2026
HALLETTSVILLE — 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, according to the Lavaca County Attorney’s Office.
The investigation began about six weeks ago after Lavaca County officials became aware of allegations of misconduct involving Hill.
According to a statement from the county attorney’s office, Lavaca County Sheriff Steven E. Greenwell and the county attorney requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Texas Ranger James Sears conducted the investigation, which involved multiple allegations against Hill.
Hill was arrested following the investigation and 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. Solicitation of prostitution, as charged in this case, is punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility.
Greenwell said the investigation was conducted in partnership with the Texas Rangers to maintain independence, objectivity and transparency.
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“No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection,” Greenwell said in a statement. “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.”
Greenwell said investigators followed the evidence without regard to Hill’s elected position.
“We do not investigate people because of who they are or the office they hold; we investigate facts and follow the evidence wherever it leads,” Greenwell said. “When credible allegations are brought forward, we have a duty to pursue them thoroughly, professionally, and without favoritism or prejudice.”
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.
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.
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. “That commitment to equal justice under the law will continue to guide every decision made by the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office.”
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and Hill could face additional charges. Additional details regarding the allegations were not immediately available.
Hill is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Jakob Gurley is a multimedia journalist with the Victoria Advocate. He can be reached at jakob.gurley@vicad.com.