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Law
Mistrial sought in Pine Ridge trafficking case


One of the five defendants who was convicted of trafficking drugs on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is asking for the judge to declare a mistrial.

Colin Spotted Elk says his constitutional rights were violated by the testimony of a co-defendant who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. The testimony linked Spotted Elk to the cocaine and marijuana ring on the reservation.

Geraldine Blue Bird is alleged to have been the leader of the ring. She and four others, including Spotted Elk, were found guilty by a jury.

Twelve others in the case pleaded guilty. Three co-defendants, including Blue Bird's nephew, were sentenced yesterday.

Get the Story:
Drug ring convict moves for mistrial (The Rapid City Journal 10/19)

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