Pubdate: Fri, 21 Mar 2003
Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (TX)
Copyright: 2003 The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Contact:  http://www.lubbockonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/841
Author: Linda Kane
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/tulia.htm (Tulia, Texas)

COLEMAN TESTIFIES THAT HIS WORD IS ONLY EVIDENCE OF DRUG BUYS

TULIA - Tom Coleman testified here Thursday that except for his word, there 
was no corroborating evidence to support drug buys he made during an 
18-month undercover operation which culminated in July 1999.

Evidentiary hearings began Monday to determine if four black men arrested 
during the bust received fair trials. When the undercover operation came to 
fruition in July 1999, 46 people were arrested, 39 of them black.

Last year, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals asked the trial court for 
clarification on whether the four defendants were convicted solely on the 
word of Coleman, an undercover officer.

In essence, Coleman answered that question during testimony Thursday.

The appeals court also asked whether the state failed to turn over 
information from Cole man's background that could have discredited his 
testimony.

When asked if he was sure everyone in jail had indeed sold him drugs, 
Coleman testified, "I'm pretty sure."

He said he messed up on at least four cases. He also said the testimony he 
gave during some of the defendants' trials was questionable.

He went on to say, however, "My cases are not questionable. I stand by what 
I did."

In comparing two police reports to two time cards, Coleman admitted it 
"shouldn't" have been possible that he made buys on the days indicated on 
the police reports because his time card showed he wasn't working.

Coleman, who was not questioned by prosecutors Thurs day, told the court he 
never expected to get the undercover job.

Coleman said he admitted during his interview that he owed debts in Cochran 
County where he'd previously worked as a deputy.

Later, while working undercover in Tulia, Coleman was charged with theft 
and abuse of his official position in Cochran County. He paid nearly $7,000 
in restitution, and the charges were dropped.

Coleman now works for a gas company in Waxahachie.

He also said he didn't expect positive recommendations from certain 
previous employers.

He said problems with his former wife forced him to leave at least two law 
enforcement jobs before working in Swisher County. In one instance, Cole 
man was working as a patrol deputy. He parked his patrol car in his garage, 
where he left it, never returning to work with the county.

In another instance, Cole man left his job as a jailer in Denton County 
after his wife sent a restraining order to his office. Coleman testified he 
didn't return to work so he wouldn't be served with the papers.

Law enforcement officials from Pecos County testified earlier in the week 
that Coleman had "possible mental problems."

Also while working in Pecos County, the Fort Stockton community held a town 
hall meeting complaining that Coleman harassed residents, he testified.

He said he left Cochran County not because of his debts, but because of 
ethical problems he had with the sheriff and other co-workers.

Yet, in a letter he wrote upon leaving, Coleman thanked the sheriff for the 
job, said he was a "pretty good person" and that he "enjoyed being (his) 
friend."

The evidentiary hearings continue today. After a break of at least a week, 
the proceedings will resume.

Witnesses this week testified that Coleman lacked credibility.

Civil rights groups have claimed the drug bust was racially biased. 
Witnesses also have testified that Coleman used a derogatory term to 
describe blacks.
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