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Tentative $11 million settlement awarded in LAPD corruption cases

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Twenty nine individuals whose convictions have been overturned as a result of the so-called Rampart corruption scandal could share an $11 million settlement.

An attorney for the 29 says a tentative agreement has been reached between his clients and the Los Angeles City Attorney's office that must still be approved by the Los Angeles City Council.

The attorney, Gregory Yates, told CNN that he feels that his clients "have been given a fair shake" and hopes that this settlement will set a precedent for how all such potential lawsuits might be handled in the next few years.

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Yates says that the 29 plaintiffs, who have all signed off on the settlement, had convictions ranging from graffiti to weapons charges overturned with the most time being served 30 months.

Since the corruption scandal emerged, more than 100 criminal convictions have been overturned and at least 70 officers are under investigation.

The corruption came to light after former officer Rafael Perez began telling investigators about corruption in the department in exchange for a lenient sentence on a cocaine theft charge.

The city council will vote on the settlement on November 15.

The city attorney's office was unavailable for comment.

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American Civil Liberties Union
Pittsburgh Police Bureau
Los Angeles Police Department Web site
Justice Department Civil Rights Division
Los Angeles County District Attorney
U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California
Federal Bureau of Investigation

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