Texas authorities take sex crimes very seriously. They are prosecuted aggressively in court and lead to harsh penalties, including prison time in some cases. One former Texas police officer recently found out just how harsh the Texas justice system can be on those convicted of a sex crime.

The former police officer was sentenced to 70 months, or five years and 10 months, in prison after pleading guilty to just one count of receiving child pornography. His incarceration will begin on Jan. 26. After serving his sentence, he will undergo a decade of supervised release.

According to a news report from the Associated Press, the 50-year-old officer stepped down from his position after his house was searched by federal investigators. They took evidence from his house and, according to court documents, discovered that he had obtained pornographic images involving children.

This case clearly shows just how seriously Texas and federal authorities take any instance of child pornography. The man in this case pleaded guilty to only one count of receiving child pornography and will now spend nearly six years in prison. Not only that, but he may have to register as a sex offender as well -- a label he will carry around with him for the rest of his life.

Not everyone accused of a sex crime is guilty. But because the penalties for sex-related crimes are so severe, it is important to know your rights when facing these charges. It could go a long way toward protecting your freedom.

Source: ABC 13, "Ex-Texas officer gets 70 months in child porn case," Dec. 23, 2011