Trebled Damages and Corrected Awards
The Cayuga Nation also contends that the verdict sheet shows Parker and Weber are individually liable for $75,619 each, totaling over $151,000. With RICO’s trebling provision, the tribe asserts the entrepreneurs still owe $155,714 in damages, even after counterclaim offsets.
The lawsuit stems from claims that Parker and Weber used profits from an unsanctioned smoke shop on tribal land to open a second unauthorized shop, continuing the sale of untaxed tobacco and cannabis. Parker is a tribe member but allegedly banished, according to the complaint.
Raids and Legal Limits
The first smoke shop was closed by the tribe in December 2021, prompting the entrepreneurs’ counterclaims. The second was raided by New York state police in October 2025.
Federal law limited the tribe’s claim to tobacco sales only, as marijuana remains illegal under federal law, preventing RICO claims for cannabis profits.
Legal Representation
The Cayuga Nation is represented by Dan J. French, David G. Burch Jr., and Michael E. Nicholson of Barclay Damon LLP. Parker and Weber are represented by Daniel J. Hurteau, Kasey Kaspar Hildonen, and Robert McManigal of Nixon Peabody LLP.
