PARDON AN END AND A BEGINNING HEALING, LEGAL ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED

Gov. Rick Perry's pardon Friday of 35 people victimized in the
controversial 1999 Tulia drug sting is not the final chapter, but it does
mark an end to a quest for justice. In June, Perry signed legislation
releasing 12 of the defendants still in prison, and his pardon followed the
recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The shoe is now on the other foot for undercover agent Tom Coleman.

Coleman, whose word was the sole piece of evidence against the defendants,
faces his own legal trouble. He was indicted for perjury in April for his
testimony in an evidentiary hearing.

Coleman was so unconvincing, it was recommended the Texas Court of Criminal
Appeals overturn the convictions, setting the stage for Perry's pardon.

It took four years to exonerate those wrongly convicted and will take
longer than that for them to reclaim their lives. Countless people worked
long and hard to see that justice was finally served, and 35 people can be
thankful.

While the governor's pardon is the final legislative step, much remains to
be done.

Not only must 35 people somehow begin to live again, but the community of
Tulia must begin to heal.

Local law enforcement must address the glaring problems that led to the
sting and take the necessary steps to prevent a similar travesty such as
video or audio evidence to corroborate personal testimony.

The legal fallout also will continue.

Amarillo attorney Jeff Blackburn announced Friday a federal civil-rights
lawsuit against more than 40 defendants, including the drug task force that
put its trust in Coleman, and every county the drug task force covers.

Assistant Potter County Attorney Scott Brumley informed commissioners
Monday the county was included in the lengthy list of defendants.

Perry's pardon was a historic moment, a day that had to be realized for
justice to be served.

For 35 people, it was an end, but more importantly, it marks a beginning.