Judge blasts state in Narragansett raid case

Friday, February 8, 2008  

The judge handling the Narragansett raid case criticized the state of Rhode Island for not turning over evidence to the defense in a timely manner.

Judge Susan E. McGuirl is hearing the case of seven tribal members -- including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- who were arrested during a raid of the reservation n July 14, 2003. They face charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, all misdemeanors.

McGuirl has been hearing arguments about police files that were turned over late and computer files that have apparently been deleted. She is due to rule today on whether the state should try to recover the deleted files.

On Monday, she is due to hear a motion by the defense to dismiss the charges. The tribal members claim the state's failure to provide evidence has violated their due process rights.

Get the Story:
Judge faults state on evidence in smoke-shop case (The Providence Journal 2/8)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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