Undersheriff resigns after shooting error by reserve deputy

Fallout from a shooting earlier this month involving a reserve Tulsa County, Oklahoma, sheriff ’s deputy continued Monday with the resignation of the department’s undersheriff.

Sheriff Stanley Glanz announced the resignation of Undersheriff Tim Albin, days after an inter- nal report alleged Albin and another official had created a culture of intimidation that allowed Reserve Deputy Robert Bates to work without proper training.

In a statement Glanz read to reporters Monday, he said Albin “has been a great contributor to the Tulsa County Sheriff ’s Office over the past 20 years.”

But, he added, “given the gravity of the current situation and the need to go a different direction with our leadership and management, he agrees with me that it is time for a change.”

The internal report, compiled in 2009 and released Friday, found that Albin, with Capt. Tom Huckeby, intimidated several sheriff ’s officers who questioned Bates’ qualifications.

“Policy has been violated, and continues to be violated, by both Captain Tom Huckeby and Chief Deputy Tim Albin with regard to special treatment shown to Reserve Deputy Robert Bates with regard to his field training, and with Captain Huckeby and Chief Albin creating an atmosphere in which employees were intimidated to fail to adhere to poli- cies in a manner which benefits Reserve Deputy Bates,” according to the report.

The 300-page report consisted of dozens of interviews with sheriff ’s department officials.

Bates shot and killed Eric Harris on April 2 when he mistook his Taser for a handgun during an undercover sting operation.

Bates, a wealthy insur- ance executive, frequently donated cars and other equipment to the Sheriff ’s Department, which has drawn strong criticism from some who say he was granted special treatment as a reserve deputy.

Last week, Bates pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter in Harris’ death. If convicted, he could face four years in prison.