Trial Underway For Tulsa Cop Charged With Robbing Hispanic Drivers

It was a full day of testimony in the non-jury trial of Tulsa Police Officer Marvin Blades, Jr.

Blades is accused of stealing money from Hispanic drivers during traffic stops.

He appeared to be very interested in Wednesday's testimony. Most of the time he was leaning forward in his chair and paying close attention to what the witnesses had to say.

"We had four very courageous witnesses that are Hispanic come up and testify regarding what had taken place with them and defendant Blades," said prosecutor Doug Drummond.

Nearly one year ago, a sting operation landed the officer behind bars.

At his trial, prosecutors played a recording from that operation where an undercover Hispanic officer was pulled over by Marvin Blades, Jr.

At the end of the stop, prosecutors say six marked $100 bills were missing from the undercover officer's wallet.

"There's been no question in our mind since this started that this is indeed a robbery, and we will certainly argue that before the judge and ultimately the judge will make that decision," Drummond said.

8/25/2012 Related Story: Tulsa Police Officer Arrested In Sting Operation, Accused Of Robbing Hispanics

Four other Hispanic witnesses took the stand.

Three of them said Blades had the same M.O. They told the court they were all pulled over near North Lewis and the officer demanded they get out of the car and leave their wallet on the dashboard.

The fourth witness testified Blades frisked him and took his wallet out of his back pants pocket.

There are five counts of robbery with a firearm against Blades.

During cross examination, the defense attorney asked each witness if the officer who pulled them over ever took his gun out of his holster. He also asked if there was a struggle or fight between them and the officer.

Each witness said no to all of those questions and that is why Blades' attorney says his client is innocent.

"Because there was no gun used at all, there was never any threat and that's very significant," said attorney James Linger.

Although Blades walked into court a free man, the judge ordered he be held without bond until court continues Thursday.

Blades turned down the chance to take the stand Wednesday.

Closing arguments are scheduled to start Thursday at 2 p.m.