Eiland Pleas Guilty to Five Counts of First Degree Felony Forgery and Sentenced to Eight Years in TDCJ

 

Over the course of the last 18 months the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, as well as numerous county officials and employees, have been the subject of repeated harassment and slanderous statements on social media avenues from Travis William Eiland.

 

During this time, the Sheriff’s Office and Chambers County have refrained from interacting with or responding to these posts in an effort to maintain the integrity of our criminal investigation and prosecution.

 

To clarify, the Sheriff’s Office originally initiated a criminal investigation into Eiland due to the defendant’s family filing a complaint alleging Eiland had forged documents. The complainant advised Eiland had forged a trust in order to unlawfully obtain money from the victims family.

 

After our Criminal Investigation Division thoroughly investigated the criminal allegation, an indictment was obtained for Eiland charging him with Forgery – 1st Degree by the Chambers County District Attorney’s Office. While awaiting trial, Eiland publicly slandered Chambers County citizens who work for the county and spread false information in retaliation of the criminal investigation.

 

Today, after two days of trial and testimony from numerous witnesses, Travis William Eiland plead guilty to five counts of First Degree Felony Forgery and avoided trial by jury. As part of the plea agreement, Travis was sentenced to eight years in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

 

We have empathy for the victim’s family as they have been affected by the crime and slanderous actions of the defendant.

 

We are appreciative of the Texas Office of the Attorney General, lead by AAG Britni Verdeja, AAG Dorian Cotlar, and AAG Matthew Ottoway, as they presented a compelling and effective case to the jury, resulting in closure and justice for the family.

 

“This case is a clear example of how justice prevails when facts and evidence are allowed to speak for themselves. Despite the false narratives and targeted harassment our personnel endured, we remained committed to due process and the pursuit of truth. I commend our investigators, the District Attorney’s Office, the Chambers County Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s team for their steadfast work in bringing justice to the victim’s family and holding Mr. Eiland accountable for his actions.”

— Sheriff Brian Hawthorne