Police
corruption investigation has wide-ranging effects
The federal investigation of Tulsa police officers and a
federal agent began as early as 2008 and resulted in charges against six
current or former Tulsa police officers and a federal agent, as well as
accusations of criminal behavior against five officers who were never charged.
At least 44 people have been freed from prison or had their cases modified because of civil rights violations or potential problems with their cases.
Additionally, at least 11 lawsuits have been filed against the city and individual police officers as a result of the police corruption investigation.
At least 44 people have been freed from prison or had their cases modified because of civil rights violations or potential problems with their cases.
Additionally, at least 11 lawsuits have been filed against the city and individual police officers as a result of the police corruption investigation.
Jeff Henderson, who was hired by the Tulsa Police Department
in 1995, was convicted on two counts of civil rights violations and six counts
of perjury. He was acquitted on 45 counts of perjury, civil rights violations,
drug conspiracy and witness tampering. Henderson was sentenced to 42 months in
prison, which he is currently serving in South Dakota.
Brandon McFadden, hired as an agent for the U.S. Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 2002, was sentenced to 21 months
in a Texas prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy. McFadden cooperated
with prosecutors.
John K. "J.J." Gray, hired by the Tulsa Police
Department in 1990, pleaded guilty to stealing money and was sentenced to four
months in a Louisiana prison. He was released May 1. Gray cooperated with
prosecutors.
Harold R. Wells, hired as a Tulsa police officer in 1975,
was convicted on five counts, but a federal judge later dismissed one count.
Wells was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, which he is currently
serving in Minnesota.
Three police officers - Nick DeBruin, Bruce Bonham and Bill
Yelton - were acquitted on civil rights violations in two separate cases.
Bonham was charged with
five counts and DeBruin was charged with six counts related to theft of U.S.
funds, civil rights violations, drug possession and possession of firearms. The
Tulsa Police Department fired DeBruin and Bonham on Jan. 20 for "conduct
unbecoming an officer" and "duty to be truthful and obedient."Yelton retired in May, about nine months after police announced that an internal investigation was under way following his acquittal.