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June 17, 2008

Judge denies new trials for Narragansett tribe members

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge has denied new trials for three members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe convicted of misdemeanor offenses for scuffling with state troopers during a raid on a tribal smoke shop.

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, Randy Noka and Hiawatha Brown were convicted in April of either disorderly conduct or simple assault.

Defense attorney William P. Devereaux argued each case separately, saying there wasn't enough evidence to support the convictions. Judge Susan McGuirl ruled on each case separately, denying the motions.

However, Judge McGuirl will hear another request for a new trial. The defense will allege juror misconduct.

If that fails, sentencing for the three is expected to follow. Defense lawyers have said they are unlikely to face jail time.

Four other tribe members were acquitted of all charges.

The convictions stem from a July 2003 raid on a tribal smoke shop in Charlestown. State police raided the shop to prevent the Narragansetts from selling cigarettes without collecting state taxes.

Extra: Read the Journal's continuing coverage of the trial and see photos and video of the 2003 raid.

-- With reports from Journal staff Katie Mulvaney and the Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry  at 11:13 AM | Permalink

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