HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- A former Huntsville police officer has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing a handgun with the serial number removed.

Circuit Judge Karen Hall gave the sentence to 32-year-old Wes Little on Monday, saying law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard.

She said the case was difficult for everyone involved and she took note of Little's family and the numerous witnesses who spoke on his behalf.

Little joined the Huntsville Police Department in December 2006 and resigned in June 2008 after an internal investigation. He found the gun while searching a crime scene but said he had no criminal intent in keeping it.

He was acquitted on three other charges, including evidence tampering and false report to law enforcement and attempting to distribute a controlled substance.