Officials in Cayuga County and Seneca County in New York will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the Cayuga Nation tobacco tax case.

The counties sued two tribal smoke shops in November 2008 and seized tribal assets. In May, the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, ruled that the counties lacked jurisdiction because the facilities are located on "qualified reservation" property.

The tribe plans to sue the counties to recover its losses. An estimated $500,000 in tribal property was seized in the illegal raid.

The Cayuga County district attorney also said he will bring criminal charges against the tribe for selling untaxed cigarettes to non-Indians.

Get the Story:
Cayuga, Seneca counties to ask U.S. Supreme Court to rule on Cayuga Indian cigarette tax dispute (The Syracuse Post-Standard 6/9)

New York Court of Appeals Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (May 11, 2010)

New York Appellate Division Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (July 10, 2009)

New York Supreme Court Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (December 9, 2008)

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