Plea deal seen in Narragansett smoke shop case

Wednesday, December 19, 2007  

Seven members of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island might be reaching a plea agreement, more than four years after state troopers raided the reservation to shut down a smoke shop.

The tribal members - including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- were charged in state court after the tribe lost a sovereignty case. The federal courts ruled that state law applies on the reservation.

The state moved forward with its prosecution but the case took a detour when Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) refused to testify. He ordered the raid but the former head of the state troopers has disputed the nature of the orders.

The state Supreme Court heard the testimony dispute in September and called on both sides to mediate the case. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch has refused to drop the charges.

Get the Story:
Plea deal likely in smoke-shop raid (The Providence Journal 12/19)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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