SHAKY TESTIMONY TO SET 13 INMATES FREE

TULIA, Texas -- Thirteen people imprisoned on the testimony of a discredited
undercover officer are to be released today, nearly four years after they
and dozens of other mostly black residents were arrested on drug charges.

"I'm so happy for them," said Billy Wafer, one of the 46 arrested in the
1999 sweep that capped an 18-month undercover operation. Wafer wasn't
charged.

But 38 others were convicted on the uncorroborated word of undercover drug
agent Tom Coleman -- now under indictment on perjury charges -- or they
accepted plea agreements out of fear of lengthy prison terms.

Civil rights advocates have called the arrests racially motivated. Of the 46
arrested in the small Panhandle town, 39 were black. Coleman is white.

State District Judge Ron Chapman is expected to free the 13 prisoners on
personal recognizance bonds while their cases are on appeal.