« R.I. Convention Center raises some parking rates | Today | Smoke-shop case: Prosecution: Tribe expected raid »

March 31, 2008

Update: Wrapping it up in smoke-shop case / Photo

PROVIDENCE -- Defense lawyer Kevin Bristow called the 2003 state police raid on a tribal smoke shop "a politically motivated action by law enforcement" under orders from Governor Carcieri, as he kicked off closing arguments in the trial of seven Narragansetts on charges stemming from the raid.

Bristow represents tribal conservation officer Thawn Harris. He was followed by defense lawyer William P. Devereaux, who represents the six other defendants, including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas.

Prosecution lawyers were expected to present closing arguments this afternoon.

The tribal members are accused of resisting and scuffling with state police, who were carrying out the raid at the tax-free tobacco shop on tribal land in Charlestown.

The defense rested its case Friday afternoon after the Chief Sachem Thomas took the stand in Superior Court to describe July 14, 2003, raid.

Thomas told jurors that he wore a suit and tie the day of the raid on the tribal smoke shop because he expected the state to take the tribe to court.

"We felt we had the regulatory authority to do what we were doing," Thomas said of the tribe's decision to open the open the shop over Governor Carcieri's objections.

Instead, he said, state police came onto tribal land, without presenting a warrant despite being asked repeatedly for paperwork.

The July 2003 raid on the smoke shop, which had just opened for the sale of tax-free cigarettes, turned into a scuffle. Almost five years later, Thomas and six other Narragansett Indians are on trial for several misdemeanor charges including resisting arrest and assault.

Extra: See continuing coverage of the trial, and look back at the raid, in stories, photos and video.

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 3:00 PM | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)