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Trial Of Man Accused Of Harassing Native Americans Ends

Associated Press0

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The trial of a South Dakota man accused of harassing American Indian children with racial slurs and spilling beer on them at a hockey game has ended but a judge says he won’t issue a decision for several weeks.

Trace O’Connell has pleaded not guilty to a disorderly conduct charge in Rapid City. The January incident spurred protests by Native Americans in South Dakota’s second-largest city, with critics saying the charge was too lenient.

The bench trial started Wednesday, with roughly 130 people in the audience, and wrapped up Thursday morning.

O’Connell’s attorney says the city is trying to hold the man accountable for the actions of the entire group he was with.

Magistrate Judge Eric Strawn says he’ll have a verdict in three to four weeks.

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