Convicted former Tulsa volunteer deputy seen flouting parole

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A white ex-volunteer deputy released early from prison for fatally shooting an unarmed black man was recently seen drinking at an Oklahoma bar in apparent violation of the conditions of his parole, which prohibit him from consuming alcohol or being in places that serve it.

Robert Bates, the 76-year-old millionaire insurance executive who moonlighted for years as a reserve Tulsa County sheriff's deputy, was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the death of Eric Harris in 2015. Harris was fleeing a botched illegal gun sales sting and was being restrained face-down on the pavement by deputies when Bates caught up to him and fired. Bates has said he confused his handgun for a stun gun.