Narragansett smoke shop dispute still in courts

Friday, November 30, 2007  

The state of Rhode Island is still battling members of the Narragansett Tribe, more than four years after state troopers raided the reservation to shut down a smoke shop.

The state is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case involving one of the seven tribal members who was arrested during the raid. Adam Jennings was awarded $301,000 in damages due to excessive force by one of the state troopers..

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the jury's verdict. Unless it is reversed, the state claims the decision will have a negative impact on law enforcement activities.

Meanwhile, the state is still trying to prosecute the tribal members -- including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- who were arrested during the raid.

Get the Story:
Supreme Court review sought (The Providence Journal 11/30)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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