Convicted ex-volunteer Oklahoma deputy cancels speech

The Associated Press and Tulsa World - August 12, 2018 8:44 am

(Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)
TULSA, Okla. (AP) – A white former Oklahoma volunteer deputy who was convicted of fatally shooting an unarmed black man has canceled a planned speaking engagement to a criminal justice reform group amid complaints about his appearance.
The Tulsa World reports that Robert Bates canceled plans to speak Saturday in Tulsa to Oklahoma Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, or OK CURE.
Bates said in a statement that he wanted to talk about prison problems and the lack of reforms in prisons that no one other than a former inmate could discuss.
Bates was convicted of manslaughter in the 2015 death of Eric Harris during an illegal gun sales sting. Bates, who said he confused his handgun for a stun gun, served about 1.5 years of a 4-year prison sentence.

 

Latest Stories

Citizens Police Academy Applications Online

If true crime podcasts and reruns of Cops are no longer satisfying your curiosity, the Ponca...

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Honored

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Bob Zweiachar was honored Oct. 31 at the NOC-Trinidad (CO) wrestling match...

Oklahoma Slashes Developmental Disabilities Waitlist From 13 Years to Two

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA — The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced the reduction of the Developmental Disabilities...