MI - 14 men charged in plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Oct 2020 *8 guilty, 5 NG*
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Ringleader of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot sentenced to 19½ years in prison
Barry Croft Jr. is "thoroughly radicalized" and "hasn’t changed his viewpoint,” a prosecutor said.
www.nbcnews.com
Barry Croft Jr., 47, and co-defendant Adam Fox, 39, were convicted in August of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and to use a weapon of mass destruction to attack Whitmer, who drew the hatred of far-right groups for her efforts to curb the spread of Covid in 2020.
Fox was sentenced to 192 months in prison on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker, setting the stage for Croft's fate and sentence of 235 months.
“I do think of Mr. Croft as the more seriously culpable … more so than even Mr. Fox," Jonker said. “I think he was the person who gave Mr. Fox something to grab on to."...
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Judge orders longest prison term so far in Gov. Whitmer plot
A Delaware trucker described as an architect of the conspiracy to kidnap Michigan’s governor has been sentenced to more than 19 years in prison.
Second ringleader in Whitmer kidnap plot sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison
Barry Croft was sentenced Wednesday to 19.6 years in prison and five years of supervised release.
www.detroitnews.com
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Governor kidnap plot: Judge consolidates Antrim case
TRAVERSE CITY — A state court judge has ordered the consolidation of felony cases previously filed against five men yet to stand trial on accusations that they were part of
A state court judge has ordered the consolidation of felony cases previously filed against five men yet to stand trial on accusations that they were part of a 2020 plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The order, signed Dec. 22 by 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, allows prosecutors with the state Attorney General’s office to present their case in court during a single trial set to begin sometime in 2023, court records show.
No trial date has yet been set for the Antrim defendants. The preliminary hearing for the men took place in Traverse City for the convenience of the defendants and their attorneys, who were traveling from downstate, a court official previously said. The proceedings also were broadcast on the district court’s YouTube channel.
The trial, a court administrative staff member said Tuesday, will take place in the Antrim County Courthouse in Bellaire.
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Second ringleader in Whitmer kidnap plot sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison
Barry Croft was sentenced Wednesday to 19.6 years in prison and five years of supervised release.
www.detroitnews.com
But the nearly 20-year sentence for Delaware truck driver Barry Croft, 47, on Wednesday and the 16-year prison sentence and five years of probation for co-defendant Adam Fox, 39, on Tuesday surprised former Detroit U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, who was involved in the initial investigation and charges. Schneider thought the time behind bars would be longer.
The kidnapping plot is the largest domestic terrorism case in a generation, and the sentences for Croft and Fox could set benchmarks for how federal political extremism cases are handled in the future. They were arrested in early October 2020 and accused of hatching the plot to kidnap Whitmer and foment a second Civil War due to distrust of the government and anger over COVID-19 pandemic restrictions...
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Trial for remaining Whitmer kidnap plotters expected this summer
The remaining men accused of taking part in a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from her lake house in Antrim County are scheduled to stand trial this summer.
www.petoskeynews.com
Although no specific date was set, 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer advised attorneys during a pre-trial hearing Monday, Jan. 23, to look at their schedules from May through August for possible trial dates.
The five defendants involved in the plot are twins Michael and William Null, 40, of Plainwell and Shelbyville, respectively; Shawn Fix, 40, of Belleville; and Eric Molitor, 38, of Cadillac — all whom have been charged with one count of providing material support for an act of terrorism and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Brian Higgins, 53, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, faces one count of providing material support for an act of terrorism.
Aside from the trial date, several other logistics needed to be ironed out. For example, it's still unclear whether the defendants will stand trial together. Their attorneys also mentioned upcoming motions they expect to file.
The judge advised that all hearings will be held via Zoom until a final conference. The trial will be in-person.
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Only a day late - but will post this just to keep my notes straight! And I can shorten this up a bit. 
Monday, January 23rd:
*Pretrial Conference Hearings for all (State case-Antrim County) (@ am CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36/now 38) of Cadillac arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bond set at $250K (10% cash or surety). Bond reduced (1/13/21) to $100K (10% cash or surety). Out on bond (1/13/21) with GPS monitor & other conditions. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Michael Null (38/now 40) of Plainwell arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10%, cash or surety. Bond was posted, out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*William Null (38/now 40) of Shelbyville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10% cash or surety. Bond was posted & is out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Shawn Michael Fix (38/now 40) of Belleville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Plead not guilty. $250K cash/surety bond. Bond out on 11/10/20.
*Brian Higgins (51/now 54) of Wisconsin Dells, WI. arrested & charged (10/15/20) with material support of an act of terrorism. Will be extradited to Antrim County. Wisconsin: Bail $10K Cash (10/19/20 paid cash-released w/GPS tracking monitor). No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 11/24/22 reference post #772 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-39
12/7/22 Update: 86th District Judge Michael Stepka ruled that evidence presented in a preliminary hearing justified a trial in Antrim County, where Whitmer’s Elk Rapids vacation home is located & prosecutors say the abduction was to happen. Prosecutors say four of the defendants scouted the house & surroundings & there was talk of blowing up a bridge to keep police from responding. “There is clearly a criminal conspiracy here,” Stepka said as he summarized testimony & exhibits from the hearing. “They knew what they were doing. They were all involved in the plot to kidnap the governor.” After his ruling, Stepka entered not-guilty pleas on the defendants’ behalf. The trial will be conducted in circuit court. No date was set but a pretrial conference was scheduled for 12/19/22.
12/29/22 Update: A state court judge has ordered the consolidation of felony cases previously filed against five men yet to stand trial on accusations that they were part of a 2020 plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The order, signed Dec. 22 by 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, allows prosecutors with the state Attorney General’s office to present their case in court during a single trial set to begin sometime in 2023. No trial date has yet been set for the Antrim defendants. The preliminary hearing for the men took place in Traverse City for the convenience of the defendants & their attorneys, who were traveling from downstate, a court official previously said. The trial, a court administrative staff member said Tuesday, will take place in the Antrim County Courthouse in Bellaire. Next pretrial hearing on 1/23/23.
1/23/23 Update: Although no specific date was set, 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer advised attorneys during a pretrial hearing Monday, Jan. 23, to look at their schedules from May through August for possible trial dates. Aside from the trial date, several other logistics needed to be ironed out. For example, it's still unclear whether the defendants will stand trial together. Their attorneys also mentioned upcoming motions they expect to file. The judge advised that all hearings will be held via Zoom until a final conference. The trial will be in-person.
Monday, January 23rd:
*Pretrial Conference Hearings for all (State case-Antrim County) (@ am CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36/now 38) of Cadillac arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bond set at $250K (10% cash or surety). Bond reduced (1/13/21) to $100K (10% cash or surety). Out on bond (1/13/21) with GPS monitor & other conditions. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Michael Null (38/now 40) of Plainwell arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10%, cash or surety. Bond was posted, out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*William Null (38/now 40) of Shelbyville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10% cash or surety. Bond was posted & is out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Shawn Michael Fix (38/now 40) of Belleville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Plead not guilty. $250K cash/surety bond. Bond out on 11/10/20.
*Brian Higgins (51/now 54) of Wisconsin Dells, WI. arrested & charged (10/15/20) with material support of an act of terrorism. Will be extradited to Antrim County. Wisconsin: Bail $10K Cash (10/19/20 paid cash-released w/GPS tracking monitor). No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 11/24/22 reference post #772 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-39
12/7/22 Update: 86th District Judge Michael Stepka ruled that evidence presented in a preliminary hearing justified a trial in Antrim County, where Whitmer’s Elk Rapids vacation home is located & prosecutors say the abduction was to happen. Prosecutors say four of the defendants scouted the house & surroundings & there was talk of blowing up a bridge to keep police from responding. “There is clearly a criminal conspiracy here,” Stepka said as he summarized testimony & exhibits from the hearing. “They knew what they were doing. They were all involved in the plot to kidnap the governor.” After his ruling, Stepka entered not-guilty pleas on the defendants’ behalf. The trial will be conducted in circuit court. No date was set but a pretrial conference was scheduled for 12/19/22.
12/29/22 Update: A state court judge has ordered the consolidation of felony cases previously filed against five men yet to stand trial on accusations that they were part of a 2020 plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The order, signed Dec. 22 by 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, allows prosecutors with the state Attorney General’s office to present their case in court during a single trial set to begin sometime in 2023. No trial date has yet been set for the Antrim defendants. The preliminary hearing for the men took place in Traverse City for the convenience of the defendants & their attorneys, who were traveling from downstate, a court official previously said. The trial, a court administrative staff member said Tuesday, will take place in the Antrim County Courthouse in Bellaire. Next pretrial hearing on 1/23/23.
1/23/23 Update: Although no specific date was set, 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer advised attorneys during a pretrial hearing Monday, Jan. 23, to look at their schedules from May through August for possible trial dates. Aside from the trial date, several other logistics needed to be ironed out. For example, it's still unclear whether the defendants will stand trial together. Their attorneys also mentioned upcoming motions they expect to file. The judge advised that all hearings will be held via Zoom until a final conference. The trial will be in-person.
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@JerseyGirl - just wondering if there might be a court hearing date update for pending motions? I know the Judge asked the attorneys to look at their calendars for trial May thru August.
TIA!
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@JerseyGirl - just wondering if there might be a court hearing date update for pending motions? I know the Judge asked the attorneys to look at their calendars for trial May thru August.
TIA!
Trial dates set for men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
Trial dates have been set for five men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
wwmt.com
Five men accused of plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer will have a consolidated trial later this year.
A 15-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on August 21 and end on September 11.
Feb. 2 was the deadline for the five suspects to make a motion for them to be tried separately.
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Trial dates set for men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
Trial dates have been set for five men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Five men accused of plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer will have a consolidated trial later this year.
A 15-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on August 21 and end on September 11.
Feb. 2 was the deadline for the five suspects to make a motion for them to be tried separately.
Thanks!
edited to add - I hate to say this - but I can not access the article. So they missed their deadline date for separate trials? And I take it there was no hearing date posted in there either, since you would have mentioned it, eh?
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Niner
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So Feb 2nd was the deadline for all motions.
@JerseyGirl - anything on a court hearing date maybe?
TIA!
@JerseyGirl - anything on a court hearing date maybe?
TIA!
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So Feb 2nd was the deadline for all motions.
@JerseyGirl - anything on a court hearing date maybe?
TIA!
Antrim County kidnap plot trial set for August
BELLAIRE — Five men facing charges in Antrim County related to a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor are scheduled for a 15-day trial beginning Aug. 21, although a circuit court
Five men facing charges in Antrim County related to a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor are scheduled for a 15-day trial beginning Aug. 21, although a circuit court judge has yet to rule on whether the men will be tried together or separately.
Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor and twin brothers Michael Null and William Null, all of Michigan, are charged with one count each of providing material support or resources for an act of terrorism and one count each of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Brian Higgins, a resident of Wisconsin, is charged with one count of providing material support or resources for an act of terrorism.
The state filed another pre-trial motion Jan. 25, seeking to bar public disclosure of all discovery material — all evidence collected by the state and the defense in advance of trial — in which the judge also has yet to rule.
The next in-court hearing listed in the court’s register of actions is a writ of habeas corpus hearing in the William Null case, sought by Nunzio, with no other details publicly available, scheduled for March 13 at 10:30 a.m.
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Court approves motions in trial for alleged Gov. Whitmer kidnap plotters
The Antrim County Circuit Court approved two motions in the trial for five coconspirators in the plot to kidnap and potentially kill Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
www.fox17online.com
The Antrim County Circuit Court approved two motions in the trial for five coconspirators in the plot to kidnap and potentially kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The motions, which the state filed, asked to join the cases for trial and to admit coconspirator statements.
Judge Kevin A. Elsenheimer granted the requests Wednesday, however, the defendants all filed either objections or responses to the state’s motion to consolidate.
The next court date is March 13, when the court will consider a motion to hear arguments about an order regarding Kaleb Franks, a witness in custody.
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Court approves motions in trial for alleged Gov. Whitmer kidnap plotters
The Antrim County Circuit Court approved two motions in the trial for five coconspirators in the plot to kidnap and potentially kill Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The Antrim County Circuit Court approved two motions in the trial for five coconspirators in the plot to kidnap and potentially kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The motions, which the state filed, asked to join the cases for trial and to admit coconspirator statements.
Judge Kevin A. Elsenheimer granted the requests Wednesday, however, the defendants all filed either objections or responses to the state’s motion to consolidate.
The next court date is March 13, when the court will consider a motion to hear arguments about an order regarding Kaleb Franks, a witness in custody.
Thank you! I had only William Null on 3/13 - but looks like they all will be there.
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Five accused Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plotters to face joint trial, judge rules
An Antrim County Circuit Court judge decided five remaining defendants in the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer kidnap plot will face trial together.
Antrim County Circuit Judge Kevin A. Elsenheimer on Friday, Feb. 17, issued an order consolidating the trials for Eric Molitor of Cadillac; Shawn Fix of Belleville; Brian Higgins of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and twin brothers Michael and William Null of Plainwell and Shelbyville, respectively.
Each are charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. All but Higgins are additionally charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, punishable by a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
Elsenheimer also granted a request by the Attorney General’s Office to allow statements made by co-conspirators at trial.
The Antrim County defendants are scheduled to be in court on March 13 to argue a motion related to possible testimony by Franks, who is currently in prison, the AG’s Office said.
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I shall shorten this up a bit...
Monday, March 13th:
*Motions Hearing (all) & Writ of Habeas Corpse Hearing (only for William Null) (State case-Antrim County) (@ 10:30am CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36/now 38) of Cadillac arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bond set at $250K (10% cash or surety). Bond reduced (1/13/21) to $100K (10% cash or surety). Out on bond (1/13/21) with GPS monitor & other conditions. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Michael Null (38/now 40) of Plainwell arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10%, cash or surety. Bond was posted, out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*William Null (38/now 40) of Shelbyville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10% cash or surety. Bond was posted & is out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Shawn Michael Fix (38/now 40) of Belleville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Plead not guilty. $250K cash/surety bond. Bond out on 11/10/20.
*Brian Higgins (51/now 54) of Wisconsin Dells, WI. arrested & charged (10/15/20) with material support of an act of terrorism. Was extradited to Antrim County. Wisconsin: Bail $10K Cash (10/19/20 paid cash-released w/GPS tracking monitor). No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
Trial set to begin on 8/21/23. (thru 9/11/23) Prosecutors: William Rollstin, John Pallas, Phillip Jacques & Daniel Grano.
13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Eisenheimer assigned Fix & Nulls’ case. 13th Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn assigned Molitor’s.
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 12/29/22 reference post #789 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-40
1/23/23 Update: Although no specific date was set, 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer advised attorneys during a pretrial hearing Monday, 1/23/23, to look at their schedules from May through August for possible trial dates. Aside from the trial date, several other logistics needed to be ironed out. For example, it's still unclear whether the defendants will stand trial together. Their attorneys also mentioned upcoming motions they expect to file. The judge advised that all hearings will be held via Zoom until a final conference. The trial will be in-person.
2/4/23 Update: 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Eisenheimer has set a 15-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on 8/21/23 & end on 9/11/23. Feb. 2 was the deadline for the five suspects to make a motion for them to be tried separately. They will have a consolidated trial.
2/12/23 Update: The state filed another pretrial motion 1/25/23, seeking to bar public disclosure of all discovery material — all evidence collected by the state & the defense in advance of trial — in which the judge also has yet to rule. The next in-court hearing listed in the court’s register of actions is a writ of habeas corpus hearing in the William Null case, sought by defense attorney Nunzio, with no other details publicly available, scheduled for 3/13/23 at 10:30am. Court records show the Fix & Null cases are currently assigned to 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, who signed a temporary consolidation order allowing him to preside over a pretrial hearing. Molitor’s case is assigned to 13th Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn, elected to his first term in November, 2022 to fill the seat of long-time judge Thomas Power, who retired in December. A team of attorneys with Michigan’s Attorney General’s office — William Rollstin, John Pallas, Phillip Jacques & Daniel Grano — are prosecuting the case & are seeking to try the men together, as stated in a motion for joinder, filed just after Christmas with Antrim County Circuit Court. There is no constitutional rule specifically governing joint trials, which gives judges broad power to decide whether to join cases of separate defendants facing similar charges. For the court & for the state, a joint trial would likely involve less time & fewer resources; for the defendants, a joint trial invites comparisons between defendants as each separately asserts their innocence & may or may not decide to testify in their own defense. Defense attorneys have filed opposing responses to the state’s joinder motion, giving an early look at possible strategy months before the case actually goes to go to trial. Court records show Thomas Siver, who represents Michael Null & Damian Nunzio, who represents William Null, have each filed objections to having state prosecutors try their clients as a group. While William Barnett, who represents Molitor, filed a one-page “consent to joinder,” meaning his client would not object to being tried with the other four. Elsenheimer has yet to rule on joining the cases or using unindicted co-conspirator statements at trial.
2/15/23 Update: ALL: Antrim County Circuit Court Judge Kevin A. Eisenheimer approved two motions. The motions, which the State filed, asked to join the cases for trial & to admit coconspirator statements. However the defendants all filed either objections or responses to the State’s motion to consolidate. “These statements will provide the jury with more detail as to what happened during the commission of the crimes charged,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “I am grateful Judge Elsenheimer has permitted the co-conspirators’ statements to be heard at trial.” The next court date is Monday, 3/13/23, when the court will consider a motion to hear arguments about an order regarding Kaleb Franks, a witness in custody.
Monday, March 13th:
*Motions Hearing (all) & Writ of Habeas Corpse Hearing (only for William Null) (State case-Antrim County) (@ 10:30am CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36/now 38) of Cadillac arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bond set at $250K (10% cash or surety). Bond reduced (1/13/21) to $100K (10% cash or surety). Out on bond (1/13/21) with GPS monitor & other conditions. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Michael Null (38/now 40) of Plainwell arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10%, cash or surety. Bond was posted, out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*William Null (38/now 40) of Shelbyville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10% cash or surety. Bond was posted & is out of jail. Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
*Shawn Michael Fix (38/now 40) of Belleville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Plead not guilty. $250K cash/surety bond. Bond out on 11/10/20.
*Brian Higgins (51/now 54) of Wisconsin Dells, WI. arrested & charged (10/15/20) with material support of an act of terrorism. Was extradited to Antrim County. Wisconsin: Bail $10K Cash (10/19/20 paid cash-released w/GPS tracking monitor). No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
Trial set to begin on 8/21/23. (thru 9/11/23) Prosecutors: William Rollstin, John Pallas, Phillip Jacques & Daniel Grano.
13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Eisenheimer assigned Fix & Nulls’ case. 13th Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn assigned Molitor’s.
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 12/29/22 reference post #789 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-40
1/23/23 Update: Although no specific date was set, 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer advised attorneys during a pretrial hearing Monday, 1/23/23, to look at their schedules from May through August for possible trial dates. Aside from the trial date, several other logistics needed to be ironed out. For example, it's still unclear whether the defendants will stand trial together. Their attorneys also mentioned upcoming motions they expect to file. The judge advised that all hearings will be held via Zoom until a final conference. The trial will be in-person.
2/4/23 Update: 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Eisenheimer has set a 15-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on 8/21/23 & end on 9/11/23. Feb. 2 was the deadline for the five suspects to make a motion for them to be tried separately. They will have a consolidated trial.
2/12/23 Update: The state filed another pretrial motion 1/25/23, seeking to bar public disclosure of all discovery material — all evidence collected by the state & the defense in advance of trial — in which the judge also has yet to rule. The next in-court hearing listed in the court’s register of actions is a writ of habeas corpus hearing in the William Null case, sought by defense attorney Nunzio, with no other details publicly available, scheduled for 3/13/23 at 10:30am. Court records show the Fix & Null cases are currently assigned to 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, who signed a temporary consolidation order allowing him to preside over a pretrial hearing. Molitor’s case is assigned to 13th Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn, elected to his first term in November, 2022 to fill the seat of long-time judge Thomas Power, who retired in December. A team of attorneys with Michigan’s Attorney General’s office — William Rollstin, John Pallas, Phillip Jacques & Daniel Grano — are prosecuting the case & are seeking to try the men together, as stated in a motion for joinder, filed just after Christmas with Antrim County Circuit Court. There is no constitutional rule specifically governing joint trials, which gives judges broad power to decide whether to join cases of separate defendants facing similar charges. For the court & for the state, a joint trial would likely involve less time & fewer resources; for the defendants, a joint trial invites comparisons between defendants as each separately asserts their innocence & may or may not decide to testify in their own defense. Defense attorneys have filed opposing responses to the state’s joinder motion, giving an early look at possible strategy months before the case actually goes to go to trial. Court records show Thomas Siver, who represents Michael Null & Damian Nunzio, who represents William Null, have each filed objections to having state prosecutors try their clients as a group. While William Barnett, who represents Molitor, filed a one-page “consent to joinder,” meaning his client would not object to being tried with the other four. Elsenheimer has yet to rule on joining the cases or using unindicted co-conspirator statements at trial.
2/15/23 Update: ALL: Antrim County Circuit Court Judge Kevin A. Eisenheimer approved two motions. The motions, which the State filed, asked to join the cases for trial & to admit coconspirator statements. However the defendants all filed either objections or responses to the State’s motion to consolidate. “These statements will provide the jury with more detail as to what happened during the commission of the crimes charged,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “I am grateful Judge Elsenheimer has permitted the co-conspirators’ statements to be heard at trial.” The next court date is Monday, 3/13/23, when the court will consider a motion to hear arguments about an order regarding Kaleb Franks, a witness in custody.
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@JerseyGirl - any news on the hearing from Monday? Of course, I am coming up with nothing over here.
I do have their trial starting 8/21/23.
TIA!
I do have their trial starting 8/21/23.
TIA!
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@JerseyGirl - any news on the hearing from Monday? Of course, I am coming up with nothing over here.
I do have their trial starting 8/21/23.
TIA!
Wisconsin man charged in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot to change plea
A Wisconsin man who drove past the vacation home of Michigan’s governor during a scheme to kidnap her in 2020 is returning to court to change his not-guilty plea, records show.
A Wisconsin man who drove past the vacation home of Michigan’s governor during a scheme to kidnap her in 2020 is returning to court to change his not-guilty plea, records show.
Brian Higgins is scheduled for a hearing Wednesday in Antrim County court in Bellaire, Michigan.