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Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2003 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 12 JAILED IN DRUG BUST SET FREE, AGENT INDICTED Associated Press TULIA, Texas -- After as much as four years behind bars, 12 people sent to prison in a drug bust that brought cries of racism in this Texas Panhandle town were freed yesterday by a judge who said they were railroaded by a white undercover agent. "I got something to smile about today," Freddie Brookins said after the release of his son, Freddie Jr . The 11 black defendants and one white defendant were released on bail while they pursue their appeals. But a special prosecutor has said he will dismiss all charges if the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals grants them new trials. The racially charged case tore apart this town of 5,000 people and led to investigations by the U.S. Justice Department and the Texas Attorney General's office. A bill passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Perry two weeks ago cleared the way for the defendants' release while their cases were still on appeal. "There are a great number of people who have a great deal of time, effort and faith in each of you invested," state Judge Ron Chapman, who was brought out of retirement to preside over a review of the case. The undercover agent, Tom Coleman, who worked for a regional drug task force, has been indicted on perjury charges. All 12 were released from the Swisher County Jail on personal recognizance bonds. The judge has recommended the appeals court overturn all convictions. Forty-six people, 39 of them black, were arrested and accused of possessing cocaine following an 18-month undercover operation. Coleman claimed he bought drugs from the defendants, but he worked alone and used no audio or video surveillance. And no drugs or money were found during the arrests. Thirty-eight defendants were convicted on Coleman's uncorroborated word or accepted plea bargains for fear they would get long prison sentences. In seven other cases, the charges were dismissed. And one defendant died before his trial. The rest of the 38 not covered by yesterday's release had already been paroled or released on probation. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart