An Oklahoma man who served 16 years in prison on charges he was later cleared of has filed a federal lawsuit against Tulsa and city officials.
Sedrick Courtney argues in his lawsuit that city officials used manufactured evidence to convict him of robbery and burglary — then obstructed his efforts at exoneration. Courtney was released from prison on parole in 2011 and his conviction was later vacated.
He had been sentenced to 60 years in prison for a robbery at a Tulsa apartment.
Courtney's lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges that evidence presented at his trial was either fabricated or planted by city officials. The suit does not seek a specific amount of money in damages.
Tulsa spokeswoman Kim MacLeod declined to comment to the Tulsa World on the lawsuit.
___________________________________
KGOU produces journalism in the public interest, essential to an informed electorate. Help support informative, in-depth journalism with a donation online, or contact our Membership department.
