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April 1, 2008

4 years later, smoke shop jury set to deliberate

A Superior Court judge is set to issue instructions to the jury today in the trial of seven Narragansett Indians who face a variety of misdemeanor charges more than 4 1/2 years after a state police raid on a tribal smoke shop.

In July 2003, the tribe began selling tax-free cigarettes on its land. When state police showed up to shut it down, the ensuing scuffle led to the arrest of seven tribal members, including the tribe's chief, Matthew Thomas.

Lawyers gave their closing arguments yesterday.

Each of the seven face a combination of the following charges: resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, simple assault and obstructing a police officer.

Judge Susan E. McGuirl is expected to give the jury its instructions at 9:15 a.m. today in Superior Court, Providence.

Extra: See videos and photographs of the 2003 raid, as well as copies of documents filed with the court, on projo.com

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 7:06 AM | Permalink

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