DEL RIO, Texas (AP) - A police officer in a Texas border city faces up to 10 years in prison for having a stolen rifle.

Prosecutors in Del Rio say Eagle Pass Officer Eriberto Leija (ehr-ee-BEHR'-toh LAY'-huh) pleaded guilty Wednesday to possession of a stolen firearm. Police didn't immediately comment Thursday about whether Leija, who's free on bond pending sentencing, remains an officer.

Investigators say Leija last July found the rifle in a vacant lot after a drive-by shooting. Prosecutors say Leija photographed the firearm, sent the picture to a co-worker and offered to sell the rifle for $500.

Leija then initiated a federal database search that indicated the weapon was stolen. Leija later denied having the rifle, falsely said the weapon was in Mexico and the search was meant to help a Mexican officer.