A former Alabama sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to sexually assaulting a woman while he was on duty more than three years ago.

Joshua Davidson, a 32-year-old former deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, placed the victim in custody and then drove her down a dark road to a desolate area where they woman performed oral sex on him against her will, prosecutors said, citing the indictment against Davidson and the plea documents in the case.

The woman reported the assault immediately and was in fear Davidson would shoot her if she did not cooperate, according to prosecutors.

Davidson pleaded guilty Wednesday in the Southern District of Alabama. The FBI’s Mobile office investigated the case.

“Law enforcement officials who sexually assault women and those in their custody will and must be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to take allegations of sexual assault seriously, and vigorously prosecute those who violate the civil rights of people in their custody and prey on vulnerable victims.”

“The people of Dallas County and the Southern District of Alabama deserve better than to have their rights violated by someone sworn to protect them,” added U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama. “Working with our federal, state and local partners, we will continue to bring to justice law enforcement officers who become criminals themselves.”

“All law enforcement personnel who take an oath to protect and serve the American people must be held to a higher standard,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office. “FBI Mobile remains committed to holding those who do not meet this standard accountable for their actions, especially those who wear the badge.”

Davidson is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 25.