| Updated: 8/25/2011 9:04 am |
Published: 8/24/2011 9:21 pm
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The Tulsa Police Department corruption investigation and trial has affected the lives of more than the defendants, jurors, and attorneys. It’s affected the futures of 38 people who had their convictions thrown out, many of them released from jail, in the time this case has been investigated.
The actions of Jeff Henderson, Bill Yelton, and other officers were thought to have played a large role in their convictions. Federal Prosecutor Jane Duke says, in her mind, Wednesday’s verdicts do not mean those people should be back in prison.
“I think the integrity of the process was impaired, and this has shed light on that process and that's what we have said all along. (It is) subject to abuse and can be abused, and I think the jury's verdict showed that it had been abused."
The Tulsa Police Department would not talk on camera about the verdict, but last year Chief Chuck Jordan told FOX23 he took these charges very seriously.
"The vast, vast majority of my officers are honest. They have the highest integrity and they are dedicated to their community. We have spent a lot of time and resources within our department assisting in this investigation. If we have a problem we want it cleaned up,” he said in July, 2010.
TPD issued this statement about the outcome of the trial: “It is with deep regret, that we see the actions of a few have damaged the image and reputation of the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department. At this time, the Internal Affairs Division will begin an investigation to determine whether any officer involved violated department policies and procedures."
While the criminal trials wrapped up Wednesday, some of the people whose convictions were overturned are now suing the officers and the city in civil court.
