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

[Cryptic]

I’m sure glad this investigation wasn’t left up to that sheriff as I wonder if he wouldn’t have encouraged them with the way he talks. I think he makes LE look bad in general.

The sheriff in question has evidently had friendly meetings with county militia activists during which he made "juice'em up" references to citizen's arrests of public officials and theorized about trials for treason.

 

[Cryptic]

I must say, I’m lost on how anybody could be freed on bond with the word “terrorism” in the charge. In a post 9/11 world no less.

Though I agree with you, I also remembered another militia case, also from Michigan.

Michigan has an example of prosecutors getting over zealous in regards to a militia prosecution. In this case, the militia members were guilty of being bored dim wits, but little else. Key charges dropped against Mich. militia

Though the charges in this case seem to be based on comprehensive evidence, there are two groups of defendants. One group is facing federal charges, the other state charges. Perhaps the evidence against the state charged group is not as comprehensive as the federally charged bunch?

 

[Niner]

Since I don't have access to Antrim County court site - I'm not sure IF this is still on.

Wednesday, October 21st:
*Probable Cause Hearings (State case-Antrim County) (@ 1pm CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36) of Cadillac 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. Bond set at $250K (10%).
10/8/20 Update: Was arraigned. Probable cause conference is set for 10/14 @ 1pm & preliminary exam hearing on 10/21. 10/13/20 Update: Probable cause hearing moved to 10/21 & preliminary exam hearing on 10/28.
*Michael Null (38) of Plainwell 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. Cash bond of $250K.
10/8/20 Update: Was arraigned before Antrim County Magistrate Jessica Allmand. Probable cause hearing on 10/14 @ 1pm & a preliminary exam hearing on 10/21. 10/13/20 Update: Probable cause hearing moved to 10/21 & preliminary exam hearing on 10/28.
*William Null (38) of Shelbyville 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. Cash bond of $250K.
10/8/20 Update: Was arraigned before Antrim County Magistrate Jessica Allmand. Probable cause hearing on 10/14 @ 1pm & a preliminary exam hearing on 10/21. 10/13/20 Update: Probable cause hearing moved to 10/21 & preliminary exam hearing on 10/28.
*Shawn Michael Fix (38) 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.
10/7/20 Update: His arraignment is pending in Antrim County. 10/9/20 Update: Arraigned Friday morning via Zoom in Antrim County. A not guilty plea was entered for Fix. He is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail, cash/surety & will have to wear a GPS tether & remain under home arrest if bond is posted. He cannot leave the state of Michigan or possess weapons. Fix isn’t allowed to have any contact with Whitmer or anyone related to her, or go within 500 yards of her workplace and residences. “You’ll have no contact, in any manner whatsoever, with any member of the group known currently as Wolverine Watchmen, or any other member of any terrorist, militia, or other similar group,” 86th District Court Magistrate Tammy Rodgers said. A probable cause conference will be scheduled on or before Oct. 21, and a preliminary examination is scheduled for 1:30pm on Oct. 28.
*Brian Higgins (51) 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).
10/15/20 Update: Brian Higgins (51) of Wisconsin Dells was arrested in Wisconsin on Thursday (10/15/20) & will be extradited to northern Michigan's Antrim County, where 3 of the other 13 suspects in the alleged kidnapping plot have been arraigned. Higgins participated in surveillance of Whitmer’s vacation home. He also provided night-vision goggles & used a dash camera in his vehicle to record footage of the surveillance. Higgins faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a $20K fine, has been charged with material support of an act of terrorism.
10/19/20 Update: Higgins appeared via video Monday in Columbia County court. Columbia County District Attorney Brenda Yaskal requested a $1 million bail for Brian Higgins, but Judge Todd Hepler set the lower amount of $10K. 10/19/20 paid cash bail-released. Higgins is due back in Columbia County court on Nov. 18. He has been ordered to surrender his passport & not to leave Wisconsin. He also can’t have any contact with others charged in the case.

 

[JerseyGirl]

I just seen where the Higgins guy made bail last night. This was on my local news.

The Columbia County District Attorney requested a $1 million bail for Brian Higgins, but Judge Todd Hepler set the lower amount ($10,000 cash bail).

Higgins stands “alone and apart” from the others who were arrested in the plot, according to a statement from the office of attorney Christopher Van Wagner.

“Even the state’s notably sparse factual assertions against Higgins show that he was not part of any militia or anti-government movement, and was in Michigan but once, unlike the other accused men, whose activities were tracked for months by the FBI,” the statement read.

Higgins is due back in Columbia County court on Nov. 18. He has been ordered to surrender his passport and not to leave Wisconsin. He also can’t have any contact with others charged in the case.

Man charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot released on bail

 

[Niner]

Anyone have access to the Federal court site?

Going to "tag" you @Seattle1 - don't know if you are following this case - but I know you can get into Federal sites. Could you help me on this one?
I'm looking for
Adam Dean Fox, Ty Gerard Garbin, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris & Brandon Caserta - the case # I have is: 1:20mj-416
Last was detention hearing for all 10/16/20.

Also: Barry Gordon Croft, Jr. - he was supposed to be extradited out of Delaware. He had a hearing on 10/13/20 in Delaware, waived his right to a detention hearing there but reserved his right to one in Michigan.

TIA if you can help!

 

[Niner]

Guess he got extradited!

2003171FY STATE OF MICHIGAN V BELLAR BELLAR, PAUL, EDWARD 1998 DEFENDANT $0.00 10/30/2020 01:00 PM SCHEDULED FOR PROBABLE CAUSE CONFERENCE

link: Online Payments & Court Records | Jackson County, MI

 

[Cryptic]

Prosecutors release videos, photos from Whitmer kidnapping case

I believe that conspiracy charges need planning and then one concrete step towards implementing the plan. Evidently the evidence includes photos of the governor's vacation home and gives the direct impression that the plotters visited the site.

A common defense to conspiracy charges is that the accused were only speaking hypothetically, expressing unpopular, but constitutionally protected socio political opinions, or simply speaking in the general sense.

If they actually visited the area of the vacation home as opposed to bored internet surfing, any defense claims similar to the above would be harder to present.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Guess he got extradited!

2003171FY STATE OF MICHIGAN V BELLAR BELLAR, PAUL, EDWARD 1998 DEFENDANT $0.00 10/30/2020 01:00 PM SCHEDULED FOR PROBABLE CAUSE CONFERENCE

link: Online Payments & Court Records | Jackson County, MI

Man accused in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer arraigned in Jackson County

Paul Bellar, 22, of Milford, was arrested in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 7. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office extradited Bellar to Jackson County, where he appeared before Jackson County Magistrate Fredrick Bishop on Oct. 20.

Bellar was granted a $500,000 cash surety bond. He is currently lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

Bellar is a U.S. Army veteran and he used his training to teach others combat techniques, Bishop said. He was living in South Carolina with his father, but most of his family lives in Michigan.

Bellar is charged with one felony count each of providing materials to support terrorist acts, attempt to commit felony as an associate or member of gang and felony firearms.

Bellar is scheduled for a probable cause conference at 1 p.m., Oct. 30 before Jackson County District Judge Michael Klaeren. He has a preliminary examination scheduled for Nov. 4.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Anyone have access to the Federal court site?

Going to "tag" you @Seattle1 - don't know if you are following this case - but I know you can get into Federal sites. Could you help me on this one?
I'm looking for
Adam Dean Fox, Ty Gerard Garbin, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris & Brandon Caserta - the case # I have is: 1:20mj-416
Last was detention hearing for all 10/16/20.

Also: Barry Gordon Croft, Jr. - he was supposed to be extradited out of Delaware. He had a hearing on 10/13/20 in Delaware, waived his right to a detention hearing there but reserved his right to one in Michigan.

TIA if you can help!

Fox was bound over for trial in the U.S. District Court for western Michigan on Oct. 16. He is jailed without bond in Newaygo County. His next court hearing, a status conference, is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Garbin was bound over for trial on Oct. 16. He is jailed without bond in Newaygo County. His next court hearing, a status conference, is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Magistrate Berens denied bond for Franks. Franks is currently jailed under federal custody in Newaygo County.

Harris, deemed a “serious risk” to the community, is jailed in Newaygo County in federal custody pending trial.

U.S. Magistrate Sally J. Berens ordered Caserta to remain jailed without bond pending trial. He’s currently jailed under federal custody in Newaygo County.

An order to transport Croft from Delaware to Michigan was issued Oct. 13. He did not appear in federal court along with his co-defendants last week and no bond hearing has been held or scheduled, according to online federal court records available Monday.

The ties that bind the men behind the plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer

Foiled plot against Whitmer shows far-right domestic terrorism is a threat — and the calls are coming from inside the White House

 

[Niner]

Friday, October 23rd:
*Probable Cause Conference Hearing (State case-Jackson County) (@ 10am CT) - MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – only for *Pete Musico (42) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism, gang membership, providing material support for terrorist act & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M.
10/8/20 Update: Was arraigned in Jackson County. Next probable cause conference hearing on 10/16/20 @ 1pm & preliminary exam hearing on 10/21/20. 10/16/20 Update: Adjourned for Probable cause conference hearing on 10/23/20.
*Joseph Matthew Morrison (26) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism, gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts; carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M.
10/8/20 Update: Was arraigned in Jackson County. Next probable cause conference hearing on 10/16/20 @ 1pm & preliminary exam hearing on 10/21/20. 10/16/20 Update: Next probable cause conference hearing on 12/4/20.
*Paul Edward Bellar (21) of Milford arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/20/20) with threat of terrorism, gang membership & 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.
10/16/20 Update: Scheduled to be extradited to Michigan on 10/27/20. 10/21/20 Update: Probable casue conference hearing on 10/30/20 @ 1pm. Preliminary exam hearing on 11/4/20.
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 (36), Michael Null (38), William Null (38), Shawn Michael Fix (38) & Brian Higgins (51) – all charged with State crimes.
Adam Dean Fox (37), Barry Croft, Ty Gerard Garbin (24), Kaleb James Franks (26), Daniel Joseph Harris (23) & Brandon Caserta (32) – all charged with Federal crimes.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Judge slashes bond for man linked to plot to kidnap Whitmer

Jackson — A judge on Friday slashed bond from $10 million to $100,000 for a man accused of assisting in a scheme to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and commit other violence against state government.

A defense attorney argued that Pete Musico actually was kicked out of the group because he was too “soft” and wouldn't commit to violence...

 

[Niner]

I have in my notes that Musico has preliminary hearing on 11/4/20. Not on the court site yet.

 

[worm]

Judge slashes bond for man linked to plot to kidnap Whitmer

Jackson — A judge on Friday slashed bond from $10 million to $100,000 for a man accused of assisting in a scheme to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and commit other violence against state government.

A defense attorney argued that Pete Musico actually was kicked out of the group because he was too “soft” and wouldn't commit to violence...

These people were associated with a group that practiced setting off bombs, anybody see a danger in these cut bonds? Now, if this is true and this guy was in fact kicked out, I agree that he should be treated better.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Feds find bomb components in alleged Whitmer kidnapping plot

Federal agents recently found "explosive device components" while investigating six men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and need more time to consider seeking federal terrorism charges, according to a court filing Monday.

The disclosure was included in a filing by federal prosecutors who asked a federal judge to give the government more time to seek an indictment against the six men who are being held without bond...

 

[sds71]

When I put my hand on the Bible at my inauguration, it did not occur to me that less than two years later, I would have to tell my daughters about a plot against me...

The Plot to Kidnap Me

 

[Niner]

Any word on "when" they others in the Federal case will be in court again? That would be Croft, Franks, Harris & Caserta? I have Fox & Garbin on 11/4/20.

TIA!

 

[JerseyGirl]

The six charged in federal court are:

• Adam Fox, 37, of Potterville, known as "Alpha F--- You"
• Ty Garbin, 25, of Hartland Township, known as "Gunney"
• Kaleb Franks, 26, known as "Red Hot"
• Daniel Harris, 23, known as "Beaker"
• Brandon Caserta, 32, known as "Debased Tyrant"
• Barry Croft, 44, of Bear, Delaware

Prosecutors requested a 40-day extension, until Dec. 16, to seek an indictment against the men, who face up to life in prison if convicted of the conspiracy charge. The request is unopposed by defense lawyers, according to the court filing.

Feds find bomb components in alleged Whitmer kidnapping plot

 

[JerseyGirl]

Federal prosecutors are mulling terrorism charges against the men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after investigators found bomb parts and other new evidence.

In a court filing Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office made the disclosure and requested a 40-day extension to seek indictments against the six men charged in federal court.

Prosecutors said they have a lot of evidence to examine, including more than 13,000 pages of encrypted text messages, hundreds of hours of undercover audio recordings, and “voluminous” amounts of audio and video found on seized computers and cellphones.

Feds weigh terrorism charges after finding bomb parts in Whitmer kidnapping plot investigation

 

[MrsWatson]

The six charged in federal court are:

• Adam Fox, 37, of Potterville, known as "Alpha F--- You"
• Ty Garbin, 25, of Hartland Township, known as "Gunney"
• Kaleb Franks, 26, known as "Red Hot"
• Daniel Harris, 23, known as "Beaker"
• Brandon Caserta, 32, known as "Debased Tyrant"
• Barry Croft, 44, of Bear, Delaware

Prosecutors requested a 40-day extension, until Dec. 16, to seek an indictment against the men, who face up to life in prison if convicted of the conspiracy charge. The request is unopposed by defense lawyers, according to the court filing.

Feds find bomb components in alleged Whitmer kidnapping plot

BBM

Poor Barry didn't rate a nickname.

I've been following this closely but need to sit on my hands because politics.

I think these guys are very dangerous and need to be prosecuted, no pleas, no lessening of charges. This is serious domestic, homegrown terrorism. I have a feeling there will be much more to follow and those extra 40 days will be put to good use in uncovering more evidence.

All MOO and back to quietly reading along.

 

[worm]

BBM

Poor Barry didn't rate a nickname.

I've been following this closely but need to sit on my hands because politics.

I think these guys are very dangerous and need to be prosecuted, no pleas, no lessening of charges. This is serious domestic, homegrown terrorism. I have a feeling there will be much more to follow and those extra 40 days will be put to good use in uncovering more evidence.

All MOO and back to quietly reading along.

I’m the same but I’ve concluded that when it comes to violence and situations like this, I toss my leanings aside. It does look like LE dove deep here, and I agree with you about a hard prosecution but I think this evidence is going to be so strong, they will crawl for plea deals. Even ole Barry.