State police questioned on Narragansett raid

Friday, January 25, 2008  

A judge in Rhode Island held a hearing on Thursday to find out why certain state police documents were withheld from members of the Narragansett Tribe.

State troopers raided the reservation on July 14, 2003, to shut down a tax-free smokeshop. Seven tribal members -- including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- were arrested and charged with assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

As part of their defense, the tribal members asked for state police documents. But it wasn't until recently that they found out certain key reports weren't provided, prompting them to file a motion to dismiss.

The case was due to go to trial this week until the judge found out some documents weren't turned over to the defense.

Get the Story:
Officer says he didn’t know about raid reports (The Providence Journal 1/25)
pwpwd
Cause Of Missing Rhode Island Police Documents Is Still Unclear In Narragansett Smoke-shop Case (AP 1/25)
pwday

Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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