MI - 14 men charged in plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Oct 2020 *8 guilty, 5 NG*

[JerseyGirl]

Whitmer kidnap plotters ask for third trial as juror misconduct claim lingers

Allegations of juror misconduct in the case against ringleaders accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Whitmer threatened to upend the terror case.

www.detroitnews.com

Ringleaders of the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked a federal judge for a new trial Tuesday and for a rare hearing to investigate misconduct allegations involving a juror.

The request could result in Fox and Croft standing trial for a third time. Their first trial ended in a mistrial in April and in acquittals of two co-defendants.

Fox and Croft face up to life in prison when sentenced in December. They were accused of heading a plot that involved more than a dozen men. Ten people are facing charges in state court.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Whitmer kidnap juror leaked deliberations during trial, defense says

Jury leak and judge's hostility justify third trial in kidnapping conspiracy case involving Michigan Gov. Whitmer, defense lawyers say in filing.

www.detroitnews.com

 

[Niner]

@JerseyGirl - was wondering if you might have some news on the Antrim County guys - Molitor, both Nulls, Fix & Higgins.

they all had a preliminary hearing on 9/2/22.

and the Jackson County ones - Bellar, Morrison & Muscio - trial on 10/3/22, last hearing on 8/9/22.

TIA!

 

[JerseyGirl]

After hearing, judge to decide if men accused in alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer will go to trial

A preliminary hearing wrapped up Thursday for five men accused of helping with the alleged plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer joined Doug Tribou for a breakdown of what happened this week in the state case.

www.wvpe.org

@Niner HTH!

Jackson County case

They've already been through a preliminary hearing, and they're scheduled to go to a jury trial on October 3. And there are three defendants in that case: Paul Bellar, Joseph Morrison, and Pete Musico. Those men are members of the Wolverine Watchmen who were not accused of going to the governor's house in Elk Rapids. But they were participating in a lot of conversations about potentially kidnaping, according to prosecutors.

Next steps in Antrim County case

The next thing is for the judge to decide whether enough evidence was presented at the preliminary hearing for these cases to go to trial. It's been close to two years now since these men were originally arrested. The five defendants in the case in Antrim County have all been out on bond wearing GPS tethers. The judge is set to decide whether they continue to need to wear those GPS tethers and whether there's going to be an actual jury trial against these five defendants.

 

[Niner]

Thanks a bunch @JerseyGirl !!

 

[JerseyGirl]

Men convicted in kidnapping plot file for new trial

Adam Fox and Barry Croft's attorneys claim a juror acted inappropriately and was biased in finding the two men guilty in the plot to kidnap the governor.

www.fox17online.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The verdict has been made against Adam Fox and Barry Croft, but defense attorneys say it was anything but fair.

In federal court documents attorneys for the men are claiming jury misconduct and judicial bias after reports surfaced that a juror's coworker knew of their intention to find the pair guilty no matter the evidence presented.

Those allegations, now the basis for their appeal.

___

Garbin's attorney requests immediate release for cooperation in Whitmer kidnap plot trials

The attorney of one of the men who pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has filed a motion requesting a significantly shorter sentence.

www.fox17online.com

Ty Garbin was initially sentenced to just over six years in prison before it was reduced to five years for his cooperation and testimony in both trials, the motion explains.

The newly filed motion further requests an immediate release, once again citing Garbin’s “extraordinary cooperation” in the case.

 

[Niner]

@JerseyGirl - any news on the Judge's decision about probable cause for the Antrim gang? Last hearing was 9/2/22 - that would be Molitor, 2 Nulls, Higgins & Fix.

TIA!

 

[JerseyGirl]

@JerseyGirl - any news on the Judge's decision about probable cause for the Antrim gang? Last hearing was 9/2/22 - that would be Molitor, 2 Nulls, Higgins & Fix.

TIA!

No decision yet. From 9/2:

After hearing, judge to decide if men accused in alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer will go to trial

A preliminary hearing wrapped up Thursday for five men accused of helping with the alleged plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer joined Doug Tribou for a breakdown of what happened this week in the state case.

www.michiganradio.org

Antrim County case

Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, brothers Michael and William Null, and Brian Higgins, who's from Wisconsin are accused of taking part in this alleged plot. And specifically, they're accused of going along on a nighttime surveillance at Whitmer's vacation home in Elk Rapids. The prosecutors are arguing that constitutes material support for a terrorist act, the terrorist act, in this case, being planning to kidnap the governor.

The next thing is for the judge to decide whether enough evidence was presented at the preliminary hearing for these cases to go to trial. The five defendants in the case in Antrim County have all been out on bond wearing GPS tethers. The judge is set to decide whether they continue to need to wear those GPS tethers and whether there's going to be an actual jury trial against these five defendants.

 

[JerseyGirl]

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/09/21/feds-whitmer-kidnap-plotters-fox-and-croft-dont-merit-new-trial/69509653007/

The ringleaders convicted of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer do not deserve a new trial because they failed to provide credible evidence of juror misconduct or that the judge was biased, prosecutors said in a court filing unsealed Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker unsealed a redacted version of the government's filing, two weeks after lawyers for ringleaders Adam Fox and Barry Croft requested a new trial, arguing the judge was openly hostile toward the defense and revealing that one juror leaked details about deliberations. Fox and Croft were convicted in August of kidnapping conspiracy and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and are awaiting possible sentences of up to life in prison.

 

[Niner]

@JerseyGirl - me again!

This is for the Antrim guys - Molitor, etc. - if you need the case #s I can give them to you.

Can you access the "Court Case Lookup" link here:

86th District Court | Grand Traverse County, MI

The District Court, which was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1968 pursuant to constitutional mandate, has more citizen contact than any other court in our judicial system.

www.gtcountymi.gov

It gives me a "No access allowed". Just wondering if the next court date or the Judge's decision might be there!

Just trying to clear up some Sept. cases.

TIA!

 

[JerseyGirl]

@JerseyGirl - me again!

This is for the Antrim guys - Molitor, etc. - if you need the case #s I can give them to you.

Can you access the "Court Case Lookup" link here:

86th District Court | Grand Traverse County, MI

The District Court, which was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1968 pursuant to constitutional mandate, has more citizen contact than any other court in our judicial system.

www.gtcountymi.gov

It gives me a "No access allowed". Just wondering if the next court date or the Judge's decision might be there!

Just trying to clear up some Sept. cases.

TIA!

I haven’t accessed yet but this is in msm last week:

Five defendants facing state charges in a failed plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will no longer be required to wear ankle tethers, an Antrim County judge ruled Friday.

"Given the defendant’s performance on bond, the court no longer sees the need for the tethers," said 86th District Court Judge Michael Stepka. "I don’t think they are a flight risk. ... They have been working closely with their attorneys, and I don’t think there will be any issue going further."

Stepka has yet to rule on binding the defendants over to circuit court. However, as of Sept. 16, the defendants are no longer required to wear their ankle tethers. Stepka asked each one of the defendants to contact the Antrim County Courthouse to return the devices.

Whitmer kidnap plot defendants no longer required to wear ankle tethers

The five men are accused of aiding a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over pandemic restrictions she put into place.

www.freep.com

 

[Niner]

Thank you for the article @JerseyGirl ! Adding that to my notes.

Just in case you need the case #s.
Molitor - #202918FY3
William Null - #202915FY3
Michael Null - #202912FY3
Higgins - #202924FY3
no case # for Fix though.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Thank you for the article @JerseyGirl ! Adding that to my notes.

Just in case you need the case #s.
Molitor - #202918FY3
William Null - #202915FY3
Michael Null - #202912FY3
Higgins - #202924FY3
no case # for Fix though.

I just looked at Molitor and found these last entries:

09/16/2022​	GPS TETHER NO LONGER REQUIRED​	​
09/19/2022​	BOND HEARING HELD​	09/16/2022​
09/19/2022​	HOLD PENDING NEXT EVENT​	09/16/2022​

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

EXPLAINER: 3 more on trial in Michigan governor kidnap plot

A scheme to kidnap Michigan’s governor in 2020 will get yet another airing in court.

www.clickondetroit.com

JACKSON, Mich. – A scheme to kidnap Michigan's governor in 2020 will get yet another airing in a different court when three men face trial Monday, just weeks before voters consider whether to reelect Gretchen Whitmer to a second term.

Fourteen men were arrested two years ago, disrupting what one participant said was a plan to incite a U.S. civil war known as the “boogaloo.” But not all were treated the same. Federal prosecutors focused on six who were considered to be key players, while Michigan authorities handled the rest...

 

[Niner]

Monday, October 3rd:
*Jury Selection begins for all (State case-Jackson County) (@ am CT) - MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – *Paul Edward Bellar (21/now 23) of Milford arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/20/20) with gang membership, providing material support for terrorism & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Was arrested in Columbia, SC & Michigan attempting to have him extradited to Michigan. $500K Cash Surety Bond. Bond reduced to $75K (12/18/20) with restrictions. Bond @ $150K (3/29/21). Out on bond.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
*Joseph Matthew Morrison (26/now 28) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $75K with restrictions.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms. Bond reduced (12/20/21) to $5K Cash/Surety providing he will wear a GPS tether. Out on bond.
*Pete Musico (42/now 43) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist act & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $100K with restrictions. Out of jail.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
Trial set to begin on 10/3/22 with jury selection. Trial begins on 10/10/22. (2 weeks).
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 2/28/22 reference post #584 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-30
4/5/22 Update: Pretrial date was changed to 8/9/22. 4/14/22: The trial is now scheduled to begin 10/10/22.
8/9/22 Update: Jackson Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson ruled on several motions. A motion from defense attorneys brought into question the credibility of FBI special agent Henrik Impola, who served as the handler for “Dan” -- a confidential paid informant who infiltrated the Wolverine Watchmen. Though prosecutors argued no perjury had taken place. Wilson dismissed the motion, ruling that it had no bearing on the case at hand. A motion from the prosecution asked special jury instructions to clarify the exact meaning of the word “militia” -- as prosecutors are concerned the phrase could lead some jurors to think the group has protection under the Second Amendment. Andrew Kirkpatrick, Bellar’s attorney, argued the additional instruction should not be needed. Wilson agreed, and denied the motion. Judge Thomas granted the followings motions filed by Attorney General's office: Motion in Limine to preclude inadmissible evidence about agents, Motion in Limine regarding co-conspirator statements & Motion in Limin regarding improper impeachment.
Wilson believes the “lengthy” trial for the three men could last at least two weeks, likely longer. Trial begins on 10/3/22 with jury selection. Trial begins on 10/10/22.
Musico & Morrison are founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen. Morrison is considered Watchmen’s “Commander” & is known by the online moniker “Boogaloo Bunyan”.
Accomplices: Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Shawn Michael Fix & Brian Higgins – all charged with State crimes (Antrium County). Molitor, Null, Null, Fix & Higgins have preliminary hearing on 8/29/22.
Federal Cases: Adam Dean Fox, Barry Croft, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris, Brandon Caserta. Gerard Garbin plead guilty on 1/27/21 to kidnapping conspiracy & was sentenced on 8/25/21 to 6 years & 3 months in Federal prison. Kaleb James Franks plead guilty (2/7/22) to kidnapping conspiracy. Will testify at trial & will be sentencing afterwards. No sentencing date as of 4/27/22. All charged with Federal crimes; trial to start on 3/8/22 & ended on 4/8/22. Harris & Caserta found not guilty & Fox & Croft resulted in a mistrial. U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge says he will retry Fox & Croft. Re trial began on 8/9/22 & Fox & Croft found guilty. Fox sentencing on 12/12/22 & Croft on 12/28/22.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Jury pool warned of rough talk in trial tied to Whitmer plot

Jury selection is underway in a third trial connected to a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

www.kwch.com

Questions about guns, secretly recorded “repugnant” talk and even the Jan. 6 Capitol riot dominated jury selection Monday in the third trial connected to a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Dozens of potential jurors packed the courtroom, even sitting on heating vents in a nearly century-old courthouse in Jackson, Michigan. Many were dismissed by the end of the day because of personal conflicts or other reasons, while others were told to return Tuesday for the final leg of the process.

Joe Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar are charged with three crimes, including providing material support for a terrorist act. All were members of the Wolverine Watchmen, a paramilitary group that trained in the Jackson area, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of Detroit.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, October 14th:
*Jury Selection continues for all (Day 2) (State case-Jackson County) (@ am CT) - MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – *Paul Edward Bellar (21/now 23) of Milford arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/20/20) with gang membership, providing material support for terrorism & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Was arrested in Columbia, SC & Michigan attempting to have him extradited to Michigan. $500K Cash Surety Bond. Bond reduced to $75K (12/18/20) with restrictions. Bond @ $150K (3/29/21). Out on bond.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
*Joseph Matthew Morrison (26/now 28) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $75K with restrictions.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms. Bond reduced (12/20/21) to $5K Cash/Surety providing he will wear a GPS tether. Out on bond.
*Pete Musico (42/now 43) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist act & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $100K with restrictions. Out of jail.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
Trial began on 10/3/22 with jury selection. Trial begins on 10/10/22. (2 weeks).
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 8/9/22 reference post #615 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-35
10/3/22 Monday, Trial Day 1/Jury Selection Day 1: Questions about guns, secretly recorded “repugnant” talk & even the Jan. 6 Capitol riot dominated jury selection Monday. Dozens of potential jurors packed the courtroom. Many were dismissed by the end of the day because of personal conflicts or other reasons, while others were told to return Tuesday, 10/4/22 for the final leg of the process.
Trial begins on 10/10/22.
Musico & Morrison are founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen. Morrison is considered Watchmen’s “Commander” & is known by the online moniker “Boogaloo Bunyan”.

 

[Niner]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/jury-picked-in-trial-related-to-gov-whitmer-kidnapping-plot/2022/10/04/40bf36ee-4434-11ed-be17-89cbe6b8c0a5_story.html

Oct. 4, 2022


JACKSON, Mich. — A jury was seated Tuesday in the trial of three men charged in connection with a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The selection process lasted two days as a judge and lawyers in Jackson, Michigan, tried to weed out people who had personal conflicts — vacation, child care, work — or showed a potential for bias.

Opening statements were scheduled for Wednesday.
[.....]
The jury will see and hear hate-filled conversations about police and public officials who were denounced as tyrants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when businesses were shut down, people were ordered to stay home and schools were closed.

Prospective jurors were repeatedly urged by defense lawyers to be fair and open-minded, despite what they hear. Bellar was deeply critical of police but is not charged with threatening law enforcement.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, October 5th:
*Trial set to begin for all (Day 1) (State case-Jackson County) (@ am CT) - MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – *Paul Edward Bellar (21/now 23) of Milford arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/20/20) with gang membership, providing material support for terrorism & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Was arrested in Columbia, SC & Michigan attempting to have him extradited to Michigan. $500K Cash Surety Bond. Bond reduced to $75K (12/18/20) with restrictions. Bond @ $150K (3/29/21). Out on bond.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
*Joseph Matthew Morrison (26/now 28) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $75K with restrictions.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms. Bond reduced (12/20/21) to $5K Cash/Surety providing he will wear a GPS tether. Out on bond.
*Pete Musico (42/now 43) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist act & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $100K with restrictions. Out of jail.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
Trial began on 10/3/22 with jury selection & ended 10/4/22. Trial begins on 10/5/22. (2 weeks).
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 8/9/22 & Trial Day 1/Jury Selection Day 1 (10/3/22) reference post #697 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-35
10/4/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 2/Jury Selection Day 2: Potential jurors from Monday were asked to return on Tuesday, 10/4/22 for the final leg of the process. A jury was seated Tuesday. The selection process lasted two days as a judge & lawyers in Jackson, Michigan, tried to weed out people who had personal conflicts — vacation, child care, work — or showed a potential for bias. Opening statements were scheduled for Wednesday, 10/5/22.
Musico & Morrison are founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen. Morrison is considered Watchmen’s “Commander” & is known by the online moniker “Boogaloo Bunyan”.

 

[Niner]

3 accused of assisting Whitmer kidnapping plot stand trial

JACKSON, Mich. (AP) — Jurors in the trial of three men charged in connection with a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer were told

upnorthlive.com

Oct. 6, 2022

....
Assistant Attorney General Bill Rollstin presented the Wolverine Watchmen as a gang and said in his opening statements in Jackson County Circuit Court that its purpose “was to target law enforcement for violent action.”
[.....]
But attorneys for Musico, Morrison and Bellar said their clients did not provide materials or other support to those who plotted to kidnap Whitmer, and that they were only concerned about how the government was operating.

“This is a collection of guys who sat there and said ‘I’m tired. I’m frustrated,’” said Leonard Ballard, Morrison’s attorney.

Andrew Kirkpatrick, Bellar’s attorney, said in his opening statement that “the terrorists in this case are Adam Fox and Barry Croft.”


Looks like all they had yesterday was opening statements. This is the only article that I could find for yesterday.