Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Forgery After Slandering Chambers County Officials

After an 18-month period marked by repeated harassment and slanderous statements on social media directed at the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and numerous county officials and employees by Travis William Eiland, the defendant has pleaded guilty to five counts of First Degree Felony Forgery.

The Sheriff’s Office had originally launched a criminal investigation into Eiland following a complaint filed by his family alleging he had forged documents. The complainant stated that Eiland had forged a trust to unlawfully obtain money from the family.

Following a thorough investigation by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Chambers County District Attorney’s Office secured an indictment against Eiland for Forgery – 1st Degree. While awaiting trial, Eiland allegedly retaliated by publicly slandering Chambers County citizens who work for the county and disseminating false information.

On May 7th, after a two-day trial that included testimony from numerous witnesses, Travis William Eiland entered a guilty plea to five counts of First Degree Felony Forgery, thereby avoiding a jury trial. As part of the plea agreement, Eiland was sentenced to eight years in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office expressed empathy for the victim’s family, who were affected by both the crime and Eiland’s subsequent slanderous actions.

Sheriff Brian Hawthorne expressed his appreciation for the Texas Office of the Attorney General, led by Assistant Attorneys General Britni Verdeja, Dorian Cotlar, and Matthew Ottoway, for their effective presentation of the case, which resulted 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,” said Sheriff Hawthorne. “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.”