A former East Texas deputy has now pleaded guilty to charges in a child sex crimes case. A former Houston County Sheriff's Office Deputy has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and production of child pornography. READ MORE: Gladewater Officer Arrested for Child IndecencyWhat Federal Investigators FoundLaza was tried in federal court because he was under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations division for breaking federal law. Laza was first hired by the Houston County Sheriff's Office in October 2024. In November 2025, Laza was fired from the sheriff's office and arrested.