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NOVEMBER 22, 2000

The release of a convicted criminal from a Gila River tribal jail has outraged a tribal prosecutor and probation officer because the man subsequently has been accused of killing another man.

Tribal Judge Spencer Thomas released James L. Cooper before he completed his sentence in tribal jail for a variety of offenses. He was released despite objections from prosecutor Sheldon Stewart and probation officer Priscilla Garman.

Cooper was later then arrested for killing Larry Leon Vannoy and stealing his truck. He is being prosecuted by Maricopa County authorities and may also be prosecuted by federal authorities, since the alleged crime occurred on the Gila River reservation.

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Prosecutor 'furious' over suspect's release (The Arizona Republic 11/22)
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