Judge to rule in Narragansett smokeshop raid case

Tuesday, February 12, 2008  

A judge in Rhode Island is set to rule today whether to dismiss charges against members of the Narragansett Tribe who arrested in a raid of a smokeshop on the reservation.

The seven Narragansetts -- including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- want the charges dismissed. They say the state has taken too long to turn over evidence related to the raid, which took place July 14, 2003.

Judge Susan E. McGuirl has repeatedly criticized the state for not turning over documents in a timely manner. She has not indicated whether she would rule in favor of the motion to dismiss.

The state raided the smokeshop because it was selling tobacco products without state tax stamps. The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals later ruled that the tribe has to comply with state laws.

Get the Story:
Judge faults prosecutors in smoke-shop raid (The Providence Journal 2/12)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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