PERRY PARDONS 35 CONVICTED IN TULIA DRUG BUSTS

TULIA, Texas - Gov. Rick Perry on Friday granted pardons to 35 people who
were convicted of drug charges based on the testimony of an undercover
agent later charged with perjury.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended the pardons
last month.

Perry said he was influenced by the board's action and questions about
testimony of Tom Coleman, the only undercover agent involved in the 1999
busts.

"Texans demand a justice system that is tough but fair," Perry said in a
statement. "I believe my decision to grant pardons in these cases is both
appropriate and just."

This spring a judge ruled that Coleman was "simply not a credible witness."
Retired Judge Ron Chapman recommended the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
overturn the convictions of 38 prosecuted and order new trials.

Coleman worked alone and used no audio or video surveillance to
substantiate drug buys he said he made from 46 residents of Tulia, about 60
miles north of Lubbock.

Of the 46 people arrested in July 1999, 39 were black, which led civil
rights groups to claim the busts were racially motivated.

Of the 38 people who were convicted, including those who pleaded guilty,
one is on deferred probation and two were not eligible to seek pardons
because of convictions on other charges.

Shortly after Chapman's recommendation, Perry asked the board of pardons to
review the cases. In June, he signed a bill that allowed the release of 12
defendants who were still in prison.

Coleman was indicted for perjury in April and faces a preliminary hearing
next month.