Allen Shields posts $25,000 bond

TULSA - A man accused of conspiring to kill Tulsa businessman Neal Sweeney posted a $25,000 bond late Friday afternoon.

Bond was reduced for Allen Shields during an arraignment hearing, where he admitted his guilt before Judge Tom Gillert. He also pleaded guilty to three charges unrelated to the murder case, including two counts of trafficking cocaine.

Gillert passed sentencing for Shields, who has negotiated 10 years probation for his cooperation with the Tulsa County District Attorney's office. In exchange for his full cooperation, which includes testifying against four co-defendants, Shields will not set foot in prison. Otherwise, Shields could be sentenced up to life in prison for the trafficking charges.

Shields testified Tuesday at an ongoing preliminary hearing, in which he detailed his involvement in the murder plan. He testified how Mohammed Aziz approached him about killing "the gas man", and how he recruited his brother Fred Shields for the hit. Alonzo Johnson is another co-conspirator. Authorities say Terrico Bethel was the hired gunman.

The preliminary hearing continues Monday.