A judge in Rhode Island refused to grant a new trial for three leaders of the Narragansett Tribe who were arrested during the state's July 14, 2003, raid of the reservation.
Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and council members Randy Noka and Hiawatha Brown were found guilty of misdemeanor charges of assault and disorderly conduct. They were arrested when the state shut down a smoke shop on the reservation.
The defense attorney sought a new trial based on alleged racist statements made by jurors and potential jury misconduct. But the judge said there was no direct evidence of wrongdoing.
Get the Story:Judge rejects Indians’ bid for new trial (The Providence Journal 6/18)
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