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Smoke-shop verdict: Chief says: 'I did what I had to do' 

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas had little to say outside the courtroom late this afternoon after the jury returned its verdicts in the smoke-shop trial.

Thomas was found guilty of assaulting a state trooper, but cleared of two other charges, and his tribal members were cleared of most other charges.

"I think what happens, happens and we'll see what happens on the 28th," Thomas said, referring to the date Superior Court Judge Susan E. McGuirl set to hear motions.

Asked if he fears punishment, Thomas said, "No, no. I did what I had to do..."

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