BILL ALLOWS COURT RELEASE OF PRISONERS

Tulia Sting Cases May Be Resolved

TULIA - Thelma Johnson is one step closer to a reunion four years in
the making. The Texas House of Representatives provided that step by
unanimously approving a bill allowing the courts to release on bond 13
men and women still imprisoned from the 1999 Tulia drug sting.

The measure could take a few days to work through the system, but
Johnson likely will soon see her nephew, Dennis Allen, walking free up
to her home for the first time in four years.

"I can't describe that feeling. It's indescribable," Johnson said. "If
that's so, I don't think I could be that happy unless I went to
heaven." "It's been so long and such a hard road to keep going and
hoping that this thing comes to pass. I want him home. I want all of
them home."

Johnson's wish appears fated to come true.

The bill - passed without opposition in the House Wednesday and
unanimously clearing the Senate two weeks ago - would amend the Texas
Code of Criminal Procedure to allow the 13 Tulia defendants to be
released on bond while the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals decides
their cases.

The bill does not name the Tulia defendants but creates a narrow
circumstance that corresponds to their plight in which any appellant
could be granted bond.

The 13 are still in prison while the appeals court considers their
writ of habeas corpus appeals, a process some legal observers said
could take two years.

Their cases were sent back to the appeals court after visiting judge
Ron Chapman canceled hearings in Tulia in March when he determined the
undercover agent, Tom Coleman, was not a credible witness.

Chapman agreed with defense lawyers and prosecutors to recommend to
the appeals court that all cases based on Coleman's investigation be
tossed out.

Coleman since has been charged with perjury.

Will Harrell, executive director of the Texas ACLU, said the decision
on whether to grant bail will be given to Chapman, who already has
expressed his belief the 13 people still in prison should be released.

Harrell said the bill, which will take effect immediately after the
governor signs it, is the fruit of a lot of work by a lot of people
during the past four years.

"This comes on the back of genuine struggle from people in Tulia and
people all over the country," Harrell said. "Everybody should feel
good today, all of those who never forgot the people of Tulia and what
they went through."

For Michelle Williams, who pleaded guilty and served time, the
prospect of an end to that struggle is a blessing for everyone caught
up in the investigation.

"It's just like my heart has a whole new beat, a whole new meaning,"
said Williams. "All I can do is thank God it's over. I kept the faith
the whole time and now the day is finally here."