Jane Duke, Bill Yelton and Judge Bruce Black during the trial. EVELYN PETROSKI/Tulsa World
At least 45 people have had their sentence modified or vacated because of civil rights violations or potential problems with their cases that were uncovered because of a police corruption probe.
The federal investigation, which began as early as 2008, resulted in charges against six former Tulsa police officers and a former federal agent, as well as accusations of criminal behavior against five unindicted officers.
First police trial: May 31 to June 10, 2011
Defendants: Tulsa police officers Nick DeBruin, Bruce Bonham and retired Cpl. Harold R. Wells. DeBruin and Bonham are assigned to patrol; Wells was also a patrol corporal.
Indictments: Unsealed July 20, 2010, alleging the officers stole money during an FBI sting May 18, 2009 and planted drugs on individuals to gain convictions. Wells indicted on 10 counts, DeBruin on six and Bonham on five.
Prosecutor: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Duke, Eastern District of Arkansas
Judge: U.S. District Judge Bruce Black, of New Mexico
Outcome: Wells convicted of five counts. Sentenced Dec. 6, 2011 to 10 years in federal prison and five years probation; DeBruin and Bonham acquitted on all counts.
Second police trial: Aug. 1 to Aug. 24, 2011
Defendants: Tulsa police officers Jeff Henderson and Bill Yelton, assigned to the Special Investigations Division
Indictments: Unsealed July 20, 2010. Henderson is charged with 53 counts related to perjury, civil rights violations, drugs, witness tampering and one firearms count. Yelton is charged with eight counts: four related to civil rights violations, two related to witness tampering, one related to suborning perjury and one count of attempted retaliation against a witness, which was added in September 2010.
Prosecutor: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Duke, Eastern District of Arkansas
Judge: U.S. District Judge Bruce Black, of New Mexico
Outcome: Officer Jeff Henderson was found guilty on eight counts; officer Bill Yelton was acquitted. Henderson was found not guilty on 45 other counts. Jurors deliberated for 23 hours over four days. Henderson was found guilty on count 39, which relates to a charge of deprivation of civil rights stemming from the search of Carah Bartel and William Kinnard. His other guilty counts relate to perjury in testimony Henderson gave during a suppression hearing in the federal case of Ronald Crawford. Henderson was sentenced Dec. 6, to 42 months in prison time and three years probation. Because of credit for time served and with good behavior, Henderson is expected to serve about 20 months in federal prison. He has asked to serve his time in Yankton, S.D. <a href="http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/continuingcoverage/default.aspx/Grand_jury_investigation_of_TPD/5">READ MORE</a>
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