Former TCSO Reserve Deputy Bob Bates Released From Prison

Former Tulsa County Reserve Deputy Bob Bates walked out of prison early Thursday.  

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections says he was released at 6:45 a.m. from the North Fork Correctional Center in Sayre.

10/18/2017 Related Story: Family Confirms Bob Bates To Be Released From Prison Thursday

A jury convicted Bates last year for second-degree manslaughter in the death of Eric Harris during an undercover sting operation.

Bates served less than half of his four-year sentence.   

His release comes as a result of how the Department of Corrections calculates credits earned while in prison.

DOC tells us, "Bates was received into Lexington A&R on 6/9/16. He completed his sentence and was released today. The number of days between his reception and today equals 497. Upon reception, his jail time was applied to his sentence. He received earned and achievement credits during his incarceration according to state statute and agency policy."

Following his release, the law firm that represented the Harris family released a statement saying:

"Bob Bates is being released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence. He is being released in time to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family. He is being released as Eric Harris's family continues to mourn his death. Nevertheless, Mr. Bates has not been released from the clasp of justice. Now that Mr. Bates is out of prison, it is our expectation that the civil rights suit filed against him and Former Sheriff Glanz will finally begin to intensify."