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March 28, 2008

Smoke-shop trial to resume Monday

The trial of seven Narragansett Indians facing a variety of misdemeanor charges is off for the day.

The members of the tribe are accused of several infractions, from assault to resisting arrest following a July 2003 raid on a tribal tax-free smoke shop.

Tribal Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas told a jury yesterday that he repeatedly asked the state troopers who carried out the raid for a federal warrant, but did not see one.

The seven defendants face up to a year in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. No one has been charged with selling untaxed cigarettes.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday, and Superior Court Judge Susan McGuirl has previously set a deadline of April 4 for the end of the trial.

Extra: See photos and video of the 2003 raid, as well as The Journa's' continuing coverage of its aftermath.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 7:35 AM | Permalink

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