More charges filed in police corruption
More corruption is being uncovered in the Tulsa Police Department.
Interim Police Chief Chuck Jordan said an internal probe that was begun in conjunction with a federal grand jury investigation has revealed more theft and lying by police officers.
Five officers have been indicted on 74 counts in U.S. District Court. The charges include civil rights violations, conspiracies to sell illegal drugs and planting drugs on innocent citizens, witness tampering, stealing money, perjury and other charges.
A year ago in May, the department launched its own investigation with the assistance of Internal Affairs. Jordan said policy changes are on the way. He wants to rebuild public trust in the police.
Mayor Dewey Bartlett said he is starting a search for a permanent police chief, who will not be an at-will employee but part of the department and not as subject to political will.
“We want the public to know that this is not part of our culture and this behavior will not be tolerated by the department,” Jordan said.
Some of the problems will be handled through the grand jury while some will require administrative actions. Jordan did not name any of the officers involved.
A special prosecutor began a probe into police corruption in 2008 while Kathy Taylor was still mayor. That grand jury investigation is being led by Jane W. Duke, a U.S. attorney from the Eastern District of Arkansas. Duke has said more indictments could be coming.
Three of the officers indicted by the grand jury have been suspended with pay by the department. Officers Bruce Bonham, Nick DeBruin and Bill Yelton were put on administrative leave after being indicted.
The officers are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Officer Jeff Henderson and retired officer Harold R. Wells were also indicted. All pleaded innocent.
Former federal agent Brandon McFadden and retired Tulsa Officer John K. Gray have pleaded guilty to federal crimes. They are cooperating with the investigation. Their sentences have not been announced.
As a result of the grand jury work, 11 people have been freed from prison or had their cases dismissed. Other cases could be jeopardized.