Ex-officer claims surveillance violated his rights

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A former Tulsa police officer sent to prison for his role in a corruption scandal says a videotaped FBI sting that showed him stealing money during what he thought was a drug bust violated his right to privacy.

Ex-Cpl. Harold Wells, a 35-year-police veteran, made the claim in a brief filed Thursday with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Wells is among 11 officers to be charged or named as unindicted co-conspirators in the scandal, which was among the worst to ever hit the department. He's serving a 10-year sentence.

A federal investigation has resulted in more than 40 defendants having convictions overturned or winning release from prison.

Federal prosecutor Jane Duke did not immediately return a message seeking comment Friday morning.

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