Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jul 2002
Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 2002 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:  http://www.star-telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/162

TULIA DRUG CHARGES EXPECTED TO BE DROPPED

The Swisher County district attorney is expected to drop the charges 
against the last defendant accused in the 1999 Tulia drug bust, which drew 
national attention after critics said it was racially motivated.

Zuri Bossett, a 22-year-old single mother who lives in Amarillo and is 
eight months pregnant, was accused of selling 1.4 grams of cocaine to an 
undercover officer three years ago. Her trial was scheduled for Tuesday, 
the anniversary of the day 43 people were indicted for selling drugs to 
officer Tom Coleman.

District Attorney Terry McEachern declined to comment on the specifics of 
the case, but confirmed in today's Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that the 
charges were expected to be dismissed.

Of those indicted on Coleman's evidence, 37 were black, three were Hispanic 
and three were white, according to the county clerk's office. The Justice 
Department investigated the bust and is still reviewing information.
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