KopBusters' Charges Dismissed 8/24/10
Beau Berman
CBS 7 NEWS
bberman@cbs7.com
August 24, 2010
Odessa, Texas -
Less than a month after the Odessa Police Department announced it was vindicated in the “KopBusters” saga, new developments have the “KopBusters” claiming that’s not true.
In 2008 the KopBusters reality show filmed Odessa Police officers raiding a fake drug house.
It was an attempt by the show's creator, Barry Cooper, to show corruption at OPD and raise attention to the imprisonment of Yolanda Madden.
Two years later however, Cooper, his wife Candi, and associate Tammy Grimes, were arrested and accused of making the false report to police that led them to the set up.
After Madden pleaded guilty and was sentenced, Odessa Police spoke to CBS 7 about the case on camera for one of the first times.
"This seems to put a cap on what has been the vindication of the conduct and behavior of the Odessa Police officers involved in this matter", said Chief Tim Burton, on July 28th 2010.
With Yolanda Madden admitting guilt and the Coopers charged with leading police to the scene, it looked like KopBusters was busted.
Then, today, a decision out of the County Attorney's office breathed new life into the KopBusters saga.
"They're not going to pursue the charges based on the facts given and the evidence available, which means, that there was not a crime committed", explains Barry Cooper’s Attorney, James Gill.
The KopBusters claim that Yolanda Madden only pleaded guilty to drug charges so she would not return to jail.
They also claim the dropped charges prove they did not lead police to the fake drug house.
"I just encourage everyone to continue following KopBusters, look it up online, follow them and see what's going on because the truth will be revealed", says Barry Cooper’s associate, Tammy Grimes.
At the July 28th press conference, Odessa Police Chief Tim Burton said Madden's confessions in court helped clear the department of wrongdoing.
But Cooper criticizes police for keeping quiet until then.
"It's not fair for the police to act like secret police and only comment when something seems to be benefiting them", says Mr. Cooper.
With the Odessa saga seemingly behind them, the KopBusters are moving on to another legal battle in Williamson County.
But while the Odessa episode is in the past, Cooper doesn't want it to be forgotten.
"I want the people of Odessa to understand that we did not come into their city to harm their city or any person. We came to free them and to free people who are being falsely imprisoned and accused of crimes they didn't commit", says Cooper.
In an interview with the Odessa American, County Attorney Cindy Weir-Nutter explained that making a false reporter to a peace officer must occur during an investigation for it to be prosecuted and in this case, there was no investigation.
Odessa Police issued a statement today saying they respect prosecutorial decision and thank the Texas Rangers and the County Attorney’s office for their efforts.
The Texas Rangers, who executed the arrest of Cooper’s wife Candi, did not immediately return our calls tonight requesting comment.
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