STATE INCLUSION WILL AID JUSTICE

AG Criticism Secondary To Goal

For those heaping criticism upon the Texas Attorney General's Office for
its presumed tardiness in conducting a state investigation into the
controversial 1999 Tulia drug bust, well, better late than never.

Attorney General John Cornyn announced Monday the beginning of a state
investigation into the Tulia case, which has become a national story
following the arrest of 43 people, 37 of whom were black, in a drug sting
almost four years ago. Eleven were found guilty and 17 accepted plea
agreements.

The case has received national attention because of claims of racial bias
by law enforcement, primarily by former undercover officer Tom Coleman, who
was working with Swisher County authorities.

While a federal investigation continues, the involvement of the state
should be welcome by those seeking justice. A thorough investigation will
determine whether racism was a factor in the drug bust, and the inclusion
of the state will only help the process.

That hasn't stopped the criticism, though.

The AG's office has been criticized for its delay in conducting a state
investigation. However, considering a federal investigation has been
ongoing, the state deserves a bit of leeway. No one could have anticipated
the duration of the federal investigation.

Then there is the political side.

Cornyn, a Republican, happens to be running for the U.S. Senate.

Undoubtedly, there will be allegations that Cornyn is motivated more by
votes than the pursuit of justice. Once Cornyn announced his political
aspirations, such claims could be made about any action taken by the AG's
office.

While they may not consider the state's hesitancy to conduct its own
investigation timely, even those who believe the drug bust was racially
motivated can be satisfied.

Amarillo attorney Jeff Blackburn, who represents some of the defendants,
said Coryn "is in position to take action" and that the AG's office should
"take over these cases and see to it that some justice finally starts
getting done."

Now that the state is participating in the Tulia case, justice should be done.

And in the meantime, criticism should be secondary to the primary goal of
guaranteeing that justice was served in Tulia.