Former Harris County Deputy Sheriff Jesus Martinez, of Humble, has been convicted of aiding possession of a controlled substance, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced on Friday, Jan. 11.

According to the factual summary in support of the plea, a public corruption task force conducted a sting operation in which an informant asked Martinez, 30, to provide protection for a delivery of money or marijuana.

On July 23, 2012, the informant met with an undercover police officer, who appeared to be engaged in a drug transaction. At that time, Martinez drove his Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) patrol car through the parking lot as protection. The informant contacted Martinez after the delivery and stated that the deal resulted in "X" (3,4 Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine or MDMA), a Schedule I Controlled Substance which is also known as "X" or Ecstasy. The informant then asked Martinez to follow him out of the parking lot.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner, who accepted the plea, has set sentencing for April 8, 2013, at which time Martinez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million fine.

The operation was conducted by the FBI-led public corruption task force that included the Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers. Also assisting in the overall investigation was Drug Enforcement Administration and the HCSO among others.