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March 27, 2008

Smoke-shop case: Chief Sachem Thomas takes stand

PROVIDENCE -- Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas has taken the stand this morning in the case of seven Narragansett Indians faced with assault and other misdemeanor charges after a 2003 state police raid on a tribal, tax-free smoke shop.

Thomas is expected to be the last witness in the trial, which began Feb. 29.

Thomas, 46, has served on the tribal council since 1990 and is the youngest elected chief sachem since Colonial times.

So far he is answering questions about the day-to-day administrative duties that he has as chief, as well as general questions about the Narragansett Tribe.

Thomas is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and simple assault for the scuffle during the raid of the smoke shop on tribal land in Charlestown.

Earlier today, defendant Bella Noka took the stand. She was also a member of the tribal council at the time of the raid and faces charges for disorderly conduct, obstructing a police officer and assault charges.

In court today, Noka said a state trooper threw her to the ground, putting his knee into her groin. She said she had to curl into a fetal position to protect herself.

Extra: See photos and videos from the raid, as well as more trial coverage.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:47 AM | Permalink

Comments

I think the first thing that needs to be established is whether this land is protected by federal law as a reservation.
Growing up in RI, I know for a fact that land has always belonged to the Narragansett Indians. This land was taken from them, and they had to fight to get it back. I cannot understand why this land is not considered a reseveration and protected as such. Given the history that the native americans are the true natives of America, let them have their land, smoke shops, casinos, and whatever else they need to continue their heritage.

Denise | March 27, 2008 6:39 PM link

Actually definately it isn't protected as a federal reservation. The contract/treaty that was signed to give the land to the tribe is very specific on that fact. It states, in black and white, and very plain language, that ALL Rhode Island laws not specifically addressed in that document apply on those lands.
The Chief had absolutely no legal right to tell his tribal officers not to permit state officers on the land without a federal warrant. Either he was woefully ignorant of the document that permits them to hold that land, or he was deliberately breaking that contract.
Me, I figure, if the tribe wants to break the contract, they can give the land back to the state, and it can be put to work for the benefit of all law-abiding taxpayers.

Rain | April 4, 2008 2:41 PM link

March 27, 2008

Smoke-shop case: Chief Sachem Thomas takes stand

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