State won't dismiss charges over Narragansett raid

Monday, September 10, 2007  

The state of Rhode Island and the Narragansett Tribe are still at odds over the state's raid of the reservation over four years ago.

Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) ordered state troopers to shut down a tax-free smoke shop on July 14, 2003. Seven tribal members -- including Chief Sachem -- were charged for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Carcieri has since been ordered to testify about his role in the raid. But he has asked the state Supreme Court to block him from testifying.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case but it also issued an order that suggested the parties mediate. The state, however, says it won't be dropping the charges against any of the Narragansett defendants.

"They want the chief. That’s what it comes down to," a lawyer for six of the defendants told The Providence Journal.

Get the Story:
Court comment on smoke-shop case perplexing (The Providence Journal 9/10)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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