Glenpool Man Falsely Imprisoned Free In Time For Son's Graduation

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

GLENPOOL, OK -- A Glenpool man barely made his son's high school graduation on Saturday -- and he says it's all because of a corrupt police officer.

Bobby Haley Sr. spent nearly five years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. As of late Friday night, he is a free man. The News On 6 spoke exclusively with Haley.

The United States Government argued and a judge agreed -- Haley was falsely imprisoned. Sixteen hours after returning to Glenpool, Haley saw his son graduate from high school.

"It feels real good to be back with my family. I prayed from day one that this would happen. Just a lot of emotional feelings going on," said Haley.

Haley asked The News On 6 not to film Glenpool High School's graduation ceremony, but he said seeing his son get his diploma was his dream in prison.

"I pray for that day, every day. Every day I was in there, I pray to see him graduate," said Haley.

Five years ago, Haley was charged with selling cocaine out of his salvage yard. His trial resulted in a hung jury. After the first trial, a confidential informant testified about how she had personally witnessed drug deals going down. After a second trial, Haley was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in federal prison. Five years later, that confidential informant says she made the whole thing up, and that she was pressured to testify by two dirty Tulsa officers.

"I think it's devastating. I think the public has to look at that and have a real problem," said Wes Johnson, Haley's attorney.

It's been especially hard on Haley's teenage son, Anthony.

"Since he's been gone, I really haven't had anyone to tell me what to do. I've been kind of on my own, you know, and I could have easily dropped out and no one woulda cared, but every time I got to that point, I would think about him. And what he would want," said Anthony Haley, Bobby Haley's son.

The feds have been investigating corruption in the Tulsa area for a year. One federal agent, Brandon McFadden, faces up to 40 years behind bars. But no Tulsa officers have been charged with a crime. Johnson says that'll happen in the future.

5/6/2010  Related Story: Former ATF Agent Admits Guilt In Corruption Charge

What matters to Bobby Haley right now, is being able to hug his son, once again.

Anthony Haley will attend Pittsburg State University in the fall. He plans on majoring in business and says his dream is to one day open an auto-repair shop.