Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE — Jury selection continued today in the trial of seven Narragansett Indians charged with resisting and fighting with the state police as they raided a tribal smoke shop in July 2003.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers appeared to be nearing a complete jury in Providence County Superior Court, but Judge Susan E. McGuirl replaced several members of the 16-person panel this afternoon after they were challenged by attorneys involved in the case.

A bank branch manager was released after she told the court she was concerned by TV footage that showed apparent excessive force by the state police and tribal members during the raid. A Central Falls man who said he had many close friends on that city’s police force was also released.

Lawyers are quizzing each prospective juror about issues ranging from their position on the Narragansett Indian tribe’s casino quest to whether they could accept defense arguments that state troopers might lie under oath.

The state police executed a search warrant on July 14, 2003, to stop the Narragansetts from selling tax-free cigarettes from the roadside store in Charlestown. The confrontation turned into a violent scuffling match. Seven adult tribal members, including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, are now on trial for misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, obstruction and assault.

Prospective jurors will continue to be questioned tomorrow morning.

-- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Comments

RALPH LAPPIN said:

This whole scam is from a biget governer who has no respect for original guardians of this land we so call Rhode Island. This man represents the original Europe belief that if you are not white you do not belong in America. As so many Rhode Island leaders in days gone by, Blacks, Indians, People of color other than white do not belong. This whole scam is nothing more than a smear to an original American people who care more for the State than self appointed aristacrates who only consider themselves and no other.

Link | February 27, 2008 6:35 PM
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