HOUSTON -- A former Houston police officer has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to a lesser charge stemming from a woman's allegation that he tried forcing her to perform a sex act on him.

Charlie Loftin Jr. had faced up to 20 years in prison after he was charged with sexual assault in connection with a December 2003 investigation of a traffic accident.

Prosecutors said that after Loftin found a couple walking away from the accident, he told the man to leave and handcuffed the woman, putting her in the back of his patrol car.

Loftin then told the woman she could avoid going to jail if she had sex with him. The sex act was not accomplished and the woman later told authorities that Loftin had assaulted her, said Harris County Assistant District Attorney Warren Diepraam.

On Thursday, Loftin pleaded guilty to official oppression and sexual misconduct. He was given a year of probation, a $750 fine and 100 hours of community service. He also had to permanently surrender his peace officer's license.

Loftin was fired from the Houston Police Department on Feb. 17 as a result of this case, said Sgt. Rose Terry.

Investigators found no other similar incidents during Loftin's career with the police department. He had been with Houston police for less than four years.

Loftin's attorney Aaron Suder said his client was pleased he did not receive any jail time.

"It was a fair resolution for both sides," he said. "Charlie entered into an agreement where he can get past this and move on with his life. The state got something they were looking for: that he no longer is a police officer."