Barry N. Cooper, a former narcotics law enforcement officer turned marijuana activist, said he was charged on Thursday with conducting private investigations without a license, a Class A misdemeanor.

The charge appeared to be related to Cooper’s “Kopbusters” hoaxes in which he videotapes various police departments seeking to find what he terms police corruption.

Department of Public Safety officials said the charge was filed in Williamson County, but the affidavit for his arrest could not be obtained late Monday afternoon.

Cooper said by phone Monday that he was arrested by a SWAT team at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday. He said he was released after more than 10 hours in jail on $10,000 bond.

The arrest came just two days after Ector County prosecutors said they would not pursue misdemeanor charges filed by the Texas Rangers in connection with a December 2008 Kopbusters hoax in Odessa in which Cooper set up a faux marijuana grow house. He had been charged with filing a false report to a peace officer.

Cooper said he plans to hold a press conference Wednesday at the state capitol to address his most recent arrest. Cooper also faces misdemeanor charges of filing a false report in connection with another Kopbusters hoax in Williamson County and possession of marijuana.

– Article from The Odessa American on August 31, 2010.