One guilty after verdict returned in police corruption case

TULSA - The first Tulsa Police corruption trial is over and a former officer is guilty.

Retired Corporal Harold Wells is now waiting for formal sentencing to hear how much time he'll have to serve in jail.

Wells was found guilty on several counts of corruption.

Two other officers, Nick DeBruin and Bruce Bohnam found not guilty of similar charges against them.

The three lawmen faced a combined thirteen counts, including allegations they they stole money from investigations, planted drugs on suspects, deprived suspects of their civil rights and participated in the sale of drugs.

"This has been completely crazy I'm going to finally get a good night's sleep," DeBruin said just minutes after he walked out of the courthouse.

DeBruin told 2NEWS he thinks taking the stand helped the jury make its decision.

"I've been waiting to tell my story since this happened, it's the first chance I actually got."

Even though he was acquitted, Bonham said the justice system is flawed, "No, the entire system does not work. There was a lot of discovery that we tried to get in that we were presented by the prosecution and we weren't able to get that in that may have been a difference in a different decision for Corporal Wells."

Wells was found guilty on five of the counts against him.

"It's mixed emotions, Harold Wells was and is an extremely good friend of mine; has been for many many years and I feel for him and his family right now because I don't believe, I believe he was wrongly convicted," Bohnam said.

The Tulsa Police Department Internal Affairs Division says it will now conduct it's own investigation to determine whether the DeBruin and Bonham violated department policy and procedures.

In a statement emailed shortly after the verdict was read, the TPD said it fully supports the jury's decision.

Upon hearing of the allegations of corruption, the TPD instituted policy changes requiring more oversight in narcotics investigations and evidence handling.

According to the statement, the TPD continues to modify and adopt policies in regard to the handling of informants and currency during investigations.

"We cannot afford to have our legitimacy as a premier police department slip away at the hands of a few," said Jordan. "These developments should in no way paint a picture of the remaining Tulsa police officers who continue to serve and protect the citizens of Tulsa on a daily basis."

Wells was immediately taken into custody after the verdict was read.  His attorney is expected to file a motion to have him released until he is formally sentenced.

Two other men are facing similar charges.

Officers Jeff Henderson and Bill Yelton are scheduled for trial next month.