Nebraska tax official apologizes to Ponca Tribe for tobacco raid

Tuesday, March 15, 2011  

Nebraska's tax commissioner has apologized to the Ponca Tribe for seizing tobacco from a smoke shop on trust land.

Agents from the Department of Revenue entered the tribe's property last Thursday and seized nearly $14,000 worth of cigarettes. The raid was conducted "improperly," the department said in a press release.

Tax Commissioner Doug Ewald personally apologized to Chairwoman Rebecca Whit and the tribe for the state's action. The cigarettes are being returned.

Get the Story:
Press Release: TAX COMMISSIONER APOLOGIZES TO PONCA TRIBE (Nebraska Department of Revenue 3/14)

Related Stories:
Kevin Abourezk: Nebraska returns seized tobacco to Ponca Tribe (3/14)
Kevin Abourezk: Nebraska seizes tobacco from Ponca Tribe's land (3/11)