COLEMAN TESTIFIES THAT HIS WORD IS ONLY EVIDENCE OF DRUG BUYS

TULIA - Tom Coleman testified here Thursday that except for his word, there
was no corroborating evidence to support drug buys he made during an
18-month undercover operation which culminated in July 1999.

Evidentiary hearings began Monday to determine if four black men arrested
during the bust received fair trials. When the undercover operation came to
fruition in July 1999, 46 people were arrested, 39 of them black.

Last year, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals asked the trial court for
clarification on whether the four defendants were convicted solely on the
word of Coleman, an undercover officer.

In essence, Coleman answered that question during testimony Thursday.

The appeals court also asked whether the state failed to turn over
information from Cole man's background that could have discredited his
testimony.

When asked if he was sure everyone in jail had indeed sold him drugs,
Coleman testified, "I'm pretty sure."

He said he messed up on at least four cases. He also said the testimony he
gave during some of the defendants' trials was questionable.

He went on to say, however, "My cases are not questionable. I stand by what
I did."

In comparing two police reports to two time cards, Coleman admitted it
"shouldn't" have been possible that he made buys on the days indicated on
the police reports because his time card showed he wasn't working.

Coleman, who was not questioned by prosecutors Thurs day, told the court he
never expected to get the undercover job.

Coleman said he admitted during his interview that he owed debts in Cochran
County where he'd previously worked as a deputy.

Later, while working undercover in Tulia, Coleman was charged with theft
and abuse of his official position in Cochran County. He paid nearly $7,000
in restitution, and the charges were dropped.

Coleman now works for a gas company in Waxahachie.

He also said he didn't expect positive recommendations from certain
previous employers.

He said problems with his former wife forced him to leave at least two law
enforcement jobs before working in Swisher County. In one instance, Cole
man was working as a patrol deputy. He parked his patrol car in his garage,
where he left it, never returning to work with the county.

In another instance, Cole man left his job as a jailer in Denton County
after his wife sent a restraining order to his office. Coleman testified he
didn't return to work so he wouldn't be served with the papers.

Law enforcement officials from Pecos County testified earlier in the week
that Coleman had "possible mental problems."

Also while working in Pecos County, the Fort Stockton community held a town
hall meeting complaining that Coleman harassed residents, he testified.

He said he left Cochran County not because of his debts, but because of
ethical problems he had with the sheriff and other co-workers.

Yet, in a letter he wrote upon leaving, Coleman thanked the sheriff for the
job, said he was a "pretty good person" and that he "enjoyed being (his)
friend."

The evidentiary hearings continue today. After a break of at least a week,
the proceedings will resume.

Witnesses this week testified that Coleman lacked credibility.

Civil rights groups have claimed the drug bust was racially biased.
Witnesses also have testified that Coleman used a derogatory term to
describe blacks.