Judge won't drop Narragansett smokeshop charges

Wednesday, February 13, 2008  

A judge in Rhode Island refused to drop charges against seven members of the Narragansett Tribe who were arrested in a state raid of the reservation more than four years ago.

Judge Susan E. McGuirl criticized the state for failing to turn over evidence to the defense in a timely manner. But she said prosecutors' actions did not rise to the level of misconduct. She said she would consider financial sanctions at the close of the trial.

The tribal members -- including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- face resisting arrest and disorderly conduct charges. The state arrested them while trying to shut down a smokeshop on the reservation that was selling tobacco products with state tax stamps. The federal courts later said the tribe has to abide by state laws.

Get the Story:
Judge refuses to drop smoke-shop counts (The Providence Journal 2/13)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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