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April 2, 2008

Smoke-shop case: Jury returns to deliberations

It's been more than four years, but the jury is finally set to begin its first full day of deliberations in the trial of seven Narragansett Indians accused of fighting with State Police during a rain on a tribal tax-free smoke shop.

The jury began their task yesterday after an hour and a half of instruction from Superior Court Judge Susan E. McGuirl. They deliberated for about four hours before ending for the day.

In July 2003, state police raided the shop which the tribe had opened despite objections raised by Governor Carcieri. The raid turned into a scuffle, much of which was caught on cameras, and seven people, including Narragansett Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, now face a number of misdemeanor charges, including assault and resisting arrest.

The jury is set to return to deliberations today at 9:30 a.m.

Extra: See the Journal's continuing coverage of the raid and ensuing legal battles, including video of the raid and documents filed with the courts.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 7:03 AM | Permalink

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