Closing the book on Tulia

U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson finally signed an order dismissing a federal civil rights lawsuit following the negotiation of a $6 million settlement by all parties involved. Although the suit was brought forward by only two of the victims of the lying undercover cop, Tom Coleman and the Panhandle Regional Narcotics Trafficking Task Force, which oversaw the operation, all 46 of the wrongfully arrested will be compensated in the settlement.

The Task Force has already been disbanded while the perpetrators of this injustice still await trial.

Coleman is facing prosecution on three counts of aggravated perjury for allegedly lying under oath in evidentiary hearings. His trial was set for this month, but it has been delayed as prosecutors seek a change of venue.

District Attorney Terry McEachern also will be facing a court date where he will answer a complaint filed by the State Bar of Texas alleging prosecutorial misconduct. McEachern, who lost his bid for re-election in March, could lose his law license if he loses at the trial, which should happen later this year.

One hopes that under the scrutiny of the press and the public, these two will get what they deserve and not skip off with a slap on the wrist.