A New Iberia man has received the maximum 30-year prison sentence for jury tampering, and prosecutors are now seeking to have him declared a habitual offender—a move that could increase his punishment to life behind bars.
Travis Layne, 39, was convicted of trying to contact a juror ahead of a scheduled trial. Under Louisiana law, jury tampering carries up to three decades at hard labor, and the judge imposed the full penalty.
At sentencing, Layne’s parents testified on his behalf, while his attorney argued he suffered from anxiety and fear while jailed for a crime he maintains he did not commit. The judge dismissed those claims.
Layne was already serving time for a 2022 attack on a school bus driver. He had pleaded guilty to second-degree battery, aggravated obstruction of a highway, and battery of a schoolteacher. Court records show the incident occurred while he was out on bond in a separate case tied to the killing of a 17-year-old.
Because of his criminal history, prosecutors said they will seek a habitual offender designation. If granted, Layne’s 30-year sentence for jury tampering would be upgraded to life in prison.
He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 13 for the habitual offender hearing.