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TYLER, Texas (KTRE) - A former Houston County deputy has pleaded guilty in federal court to a child exploitation charge.
Skyler Douglas Laza, 34, entered the plea on Monday before Magistrate Judge John D. Love.
According to court documents, on at least two occasions, Laza, a former licensed peace officer, persuaded a minor under the age of 12 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating a visual depiction using a cell phone.
Laza faces a range of 40 to 60 years as punishment.
The sheriff’s office announced his termination in November 2025.
Laza’s brother was also arrested in November but federal prosecutors dropped the charges against him, according to court records.