Tulsa World: Tulsa police officers subject of photo lineup, sources say

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Tulsa police officers subject of photo lineup, sources say

By OMER GILLHAM World Staff Writer
Published: 11/8/2009 2:28 AM
Last Modified: 11/8/2009 4:03 AM

Federal officials are circulating a photographic lineup, which includes several Tulsa police officers believed to be the focus of a federal grand jury investigation into possible police corruption and perjury, the Tulsa World has learned.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently showed several pictures of police officers to a possible witness, said sources who asked to remain anonymous.

"My client viewed several photographs and I recognized many of the photographs as Tulsa police officers,'' one source said.

As first reported by the Tulsa World last week, a federal grand jury meeting in a secret location and being led by out-of-state prosecutors is investigating police corruption.

Prosecutors appear to be focusing on several police officers assigned to the Tulsa Police Department's Special Investigations Division. Additionally, an agent either currently or formerly employed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is a target of the probe.

The ATF has refused to confirm whether the agent in question remains employed, and the World has submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act for that information.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District in Tulsa has recused itself from at least one case in the investigation, sources said. The investigation is being led by U.S. Attorney Jane W. Duke's office, which is focusing on cases including a recently dismissed federal drug case, sources said. Duke is the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District

of Arkansas.

Federal indictments for one police officer and the ATF agent may be issued as early as December, sources said.

The possible indictments appear to be connected to a drug conviction of Larry Wayne Barnes Sr., 59, and his daughter Larita Annette Barnes, 33, of Tulsa.

The Barnes case was filed Aug. 10, 2007, in Oklahoma's Northern District of U.S. District Court. The two were found guilty April 23, 2008, of two counts of selling methamphetamine and maintaining a residence where meth was produced, records show.

However, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the case back to the Northern District on July 1, 2009. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Tulsa filed a pleading saying it had a conflict of interest in the case and was recusing from the case. The pleading states that Duke's office would be handling the appeal.

Larry and Larita Barnes were released from federal prison July 2, 2009, records show. Larita Barnes is currently in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in another case.

The Tulsa World contacted one of the officers believed to be the focus of the grand jury probe.

"If I have done all of these terrible things, then why am I still here? This has been nothing but rumors and a rumor mill. There have been no Tulsa police officers to my knowledge testifying before the grand jury," he said.

Sources say U.S. Chief District Judge Claire Eagan has placed a gag order on those nearest the case. Key motions in the Barnes case have been sealed, records show.

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor has said that she could not comment specifically on any ongoing investigation but said she would fully cooperate with any probe into public corruption.

Sources said Larry Barnes Sr. has testified before the grand jury.

Before being released, Larry Barnes Sr. had served about one year on two 5 1/2-year sentences, which were to run concurrently. Larita Barnes had served about one year on two concurrent 10-year sentences.

In addition to Barnes' testimony, prosecutors appear to be focusing on key testimony used to convict the Barneses. The testimony was offered by Ryan Martin Logsdon, a convicted felon and informant developed by officers investigating the Barnes case, court records show.

During the trial, defense attorneys questioned procedures that Tulsa police and a federal agent used to provide money to Logsdon, who allegedly bought a substantial amount of methamphetamine from Larry and Larita Barnes. Additionally, investigating officers faced questions on the lack of phone records between the informant and the defendants, records show.

Meanwhile, federal prosecutors appear to have brought in more than a dozen inmates or former inmates to testify before the grand jury, records show.

Fifteen inmates were taken to two area county jails last month with orders to hold them for the Northern District of Oklahoma or the U.S. Marshals Service.

One of the inmates was brought from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, where he is serving a 10-year sentence on a Tulsa County drug-trafficking conviction, records show. At least two inmates were taken to an area jail from federal prisons in El Reno and Texas, records show.

Omer Gillham 581-8301
omer.gillham@tulsaworld.com By OMER GILLHAM World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment QLC, (11/8/2009 7:28:28 AM) They had to let people out of prison because the TPD believed they were above the rules. Great job guys, I'm surprised the union hasn't stepped up and contracted for your ability to bypass the justice system and go straight to execution.
	Report Comment QLC, (11/8/2009 10:17:29 AM) Roscoe is still alive? Who knew! Truth is, we have no good candidates, but I guess we have to choose between the bad and the worst. And have to agree with democrats... on who the worst is. God, Tulsa is in rough shape. And circling the drain. Anybody think the bozos running for mayor are going to be any better? Sad, it was such a great town years ago.
	Report Comment livinintheburbs, (11/8/2009 12:43:25 PM) karma is a B**ch...Guess the time has come for the judge not to believe everything he hears from the Police
	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (11/8/2009 9:46:29 AM) "Let's Face The Music and Dance". Tony Bennett
	Report Comment FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/8/2009 2:51:56 PM) Well it seems as though the thin blue line is as crooked as a hook. And it doesn't surprise me one bit. ANd I see post from people everday swearing the police can do no wrong.
	Report Comment FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/8/2009 6:19:46 PM) The pictures of all TPD certified officers should be made available to the public. I'm sure their are many citizens who could identify a rogue cop.
	Report Comment HardHeartedHanna, (11/8/2009 6:56:39 AM) Convictions at ANY cost! This is what happens when you get so focused on putting someone away that you forget about the constitution. "If I have done all of these terrible things, then why am I still here? This has been nothing but rumors and a rumor mill. There have been no Tulsa police officers to my knowledge testifying before the grand jury," he said. Well officer, enjoy it while you are still there because three laid off officers are about to take your place. These officers don't have one qualm about jacking the citizens around in the name of justice. Well karma is the reward.
	Report Comment tbgalileo, Tulsa (11/8/2009 10:08:45 PM) I just wonder why the defense layer who keeps giving information to the TW won't identify himself? If he's not breaking the gag order, what does he have to loose by letting everyone know who he is and his motivation for trying to convict unaccused people in the court of the public opinion?
	Report Comment aint missbehavin, .. (11/9/2009 12:31:17 AM) Im tryin to figure out why all the secret stuff,what did they do?...,what the heck,what did they do wrong to be meetin in a back room with cots and all?....and whats goin down with those back seats to those police cars,they got straps,least of all thats what I been hearin,ya know me I dont want to start any rumors or nothin....I also heard that these two people that was arrested was kin somehow,but not father and daughter,or kin to the police chief or somethin like that, or wanted to be or somethin to that effect,course its just a rumor.
	Report Comment aint missbehavin, .. (11/9/2009 12:40:09 AM) you know,if we stopped and looked under everyones rug,we might find all kinds of dirt,the question is,inquiring minds wanna know ......is why?..whats the purpose of ruining someones career?One they worked hard at establishing?For some stupied stuff.I say reprimend them,if need be but dont take a persons career.....yee-haw!
	Report Comment aint missbehavin, .. (11/9/2009 12:41:40 AM) weird......stuff.
	Report Comment Elusive, the burbs (11/9/2009 2:34:28 AM) It will be interesting to see what comes of this. If they are dirty then they need to pay the price.
	Report Comment GretaSue, (11/8/2009 1:18:10 PM) the police can only do so much... if people keep their "no snitch" policy, or victims won't file charges only hinders the process. People have to step up an take control, call in an anonymous tip, but do something to make things better and stop burying your head in the sand. Your right Okkevin... That is how the Enquirer does it,
	Report Comment Corvetteguy, Tulsa (11/8/2009 5:01:24 PM) fld11, joining a union is a constitutional right. You know,...that document called the US constituion. The city is under no obligation to follow or agree to any issues put forward by the cerified bargaining agent, with is the Fraternal Order of Police for the cops. "email your reps" with what.....? ignore the constituional rights of employees?
	Report Comment Thunder196, Tulsa (11/8/2009 5:36:44 PM) Union is doing their job. They are to look out for their members at all costs. Doesn't matter if the cost is money or safety in regards to the citizens of Tulsa.
	Report Comment What the ?, OK (11/9/2009 2:18:12 PM) There are still plenty of great and honest police officers in this town. Get rid of the bad ones and let the good ones do their jobs! The majority of the officers deserve respect. Goes both ways...you get respect when you give respect, Tulsans.
	Report Comment What the ?, OK (11/9/2009 2:19:44 PM) aint missbehavin: Your posts make absolutely no sense.
	Report Comment Maggie_Paxwell, (11/8/2009 10:17:14 AM) "possible" "appears to be" "may be" "believed to be" --- while there "may be" a grand jury investigation ongoing, might be smart to wait until some kind of "possible" charges actually get filed. And so much for gag orders and sealed documents and secret locations.
	Report Comment Rideropurplesage, Tulsa (11/8/2009 4:07:50 PM) Absolute power corrupts absolutly
	Report Comment 007, Tulsa (11/8/2009 5:59:36 PM) well Tulsa is no different than many other larger cities across the bible belt south, it's what happens when you mix the republican, law and order, bible thumping crowd together. unless of course it's one of their kids, and then they will do anything to keep their little darlings from going to jail.
	Report Comment fld11, (11/8/2009 3:20:29 PM) Nothing will change with these low life city employees until the public demands that city hall get control of this department and abolish the union. They are way out of control and think they actually "run" the city. They are sadly mistaken. Email your reps and let's keep this ball rolling.
	Report Comment okkevin, Tulsa (11/8/2009 1:04:46 PM) Again another story from anonymous sources...isn't that how the Enquirer does things?
	Report Comment J.A. Monkey, T.B.D. (11/9/2009 11:44:15 PM) Alot of hype with very little substantial fact. My sources say TW is full of ****. Did I mention that my source wants to remain anonymous? See what I mean...
	Report Comment Duckman, (11/8/2009 9:36:20 AM) Hahahahahahaha...hang em all. The whole dept. Let's start over and don't forget the mayor.
	Report Comment Bubba in Glenpool, (11/9/2009 4:20:25 PM) Good job Omer! It appears that you did a lot of digging to get this story and did the public a service by bringing it to our attention.

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