Panhandle Defendants Cleared Four Years After Wrongful Arrests By David Pasztor Thirty-five people convicted in the now-discredited 1999 Tulia drug sting were pardoned by Gov. Rick Perry on Friday, even as lawyers for those wrongfully charged in the cases launched a major legal assault against the police departments and government officials involved in their arrests. Accepting a unanimous recommendation from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Perry said pardons for the 35 Tulia defendants were "appropriate and just." [continues 843 words]
If Investigation Finds Misconduct, Prosecutor Could Be Disbarred The West Texas district attorney who prosecuted those arrested in the controversial Tulia drug sting is under investigation by the State Bar of Texas for possible misconduct in his handling of the cases. Bar disciplinary officials, who ordinarily do not discuss ongoing cases, would not acknowledge whether they are investigating Swisher County District Attorney Terry McEachern. But McEachern revealed the existence of the investigation Thursday by asking the Swisher County Commissioners Court for $5,000 to help pay for his defense. [continues 494 words]
