FOR TRUTH GOES ON IN TULIA

It has taken almost four years, but justice is being served in Tulia.

A ruling in an evidentiary hearing Tuesday by visiting Judge Ron Chapman
questioning the testimony of former undercover officer Tom Coleman is the
probable first step.

Coleman is the controversial figure at the center of the 1999 Tulia drug
sting, which resulted in the arrest of 46 people, 39 of them black.

The sting became a national story, tinged with allegations of racism and
injustice.

Hopefully, Tuesday's ruling will finally be the impetus that resolves the
issue, which has unfairly painted an entire town and given Texas justice a
black eye.

But these problems are secondary to what is of utmost importance - the
quest for justice.

Chapman's ruling, agreed upon by the state and defense in addition to the
court, could result in the release of 38 individuals implicated in the sting.

Coleman's testimony cast serious doubts regarding the convictions, and
raises serious concerns about his conduct and competence during the
undercover sting.

At the least, Coleman's credibility is suspect, and ongoing federal and
state investigations should shed more light on the legality and legitimacy
of the sting.

What should be of priority now is to determine whether those who are
incarcerated deserve to be behind bars.

A judge has determined the testimony that convicted them is not credible,
and justice must be done.

It has taken four years to address the legality of one of the more famous,
or infamous, cases in Panhandle history.

Four years is a long time, but that depends on perspective and patience.

It will take longer to find the truth. Tuesday's ruling continues the search.