EL PASO, Texas -- Bob Jones pleaded guilty to six counts Thursday for criminal activity stemming back to 2002. The former CEO of the National Center for Employment of the Disabled now faces up to 10 years in prison, but that depends on his cooperation with the government and FBI.

"What Mr. Jones is doing is trying to make sure that he's cooperating with the government to make sure we have any public corruption issues cleared up here in El Paso," said his attorney Joe Spencer Jr.

Jones wiped tears from his eyes as Federal Judge Frank Montalvo explained the conditions of his future sentencing. But Spencer said accepting the plea deal with the government is a big relief for his client.

"He has accepted responsibility by pleading guilty," said Spencer. "He certainly is cognizant of the status he had in the community and the good he tried to do in the community, but he also knows the mistakes he made. And that's why he's accepted this responsibility."

Jones was facing 44 counts, but only pleaded guilty to six. The six counts include stealing or embezzling federal program funds of more than $1.7 million, making false statements and defrauding the United States, tax evasion and bribing elected officials on the El Paso County Commissioners court, El Paso ISD, Ysleta ISD and Socorro ISD board trustees.

"He's glad to get this part over and looking forward to the next stage," said Spencer. "And getting final resolution to this case."

As part of the plea deal, Jones must fully cooperate with the government and that could include testifying against at least 19 alleged co-conspirators. Spencer said the 19 alleged co-conspirators should be nervous.

"He has to basically answer every question that they ask him," said Spencer. "And he has to divulge any information that they ask about his involvement or anybody else's involvement."

The actual plea deal, including information on the 19 alleged co-conspirators, is sealed as the investigation is ongoing.

Jones declined to comment after the hearing. He is out on bond.