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

[Niner]

Friday, December 18th:
*Probable Cause Conference Hearing (State case-Jackson County) (@ 2:30pm CT) - MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – for *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 cause conference hearing on 10/30/20 @ 1pm and Preliminary hearing on 11/4/20. 10/30/20 Update: Probable case hearing has been rescheduled to 11/13/20 @ 1pm. No date for preliminary hearing. 11/13/20 Update: Next probable cause conference hearing rescheduled to 12/18/20.
For *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. Motion hearing was on 11/13/20. 11/13/20 Update: Next probable cause conference hearing on 12/4/20. 12/4/20 Update: Probable cause conference hearing rescheduled to 12/18/20.
*Motions Hearing (@ 2pm CT) - *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. Bond reduced (10/23/20) to $100K.
10/8/20 Update: Was arraigned on 10/20/20 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. Preliminary exam hearing on 11/4/20.
10/23/20 Update: Jackson County Judge Michael Klaeren slashed bond from $10 million to $100,000. A defense attorney argued that Musico actually was kicked out of the group because he was too “soft” & wouldn't commit to violence. If he posts bond he must wear a GPS tether. The judge noted that Musico has a job, ties to the community and “20-plus years of law-abiding conduct.” Next Probable cause hearing on 12/4/20. 12/4/20 Update: Next motions hearing on 12/18/20.
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.

 

[Niner]

@Seattle1 - don't recall if you can access Michigan Federal court site - I'm looking for
Case # 1:20mj-416 - wondering if there might be a court date for the 6 charged in Federal court?

TIA if you can find something!

 

[Seattle1]

@Seattle1 - don't recall if you can access Michigan Federal court site - I'm looking for
Case # 1:20mj-416 - wondering if there might be a court date for the 6 charged in Federal court?

TIA if you can find something!

I'll have to research this one. It seems at least some of these characters are being charged in the 12th Dist Court -- also where you will find Judge Michael Klaeren but I did see the complaint first filed in Western District of Michigan Fed Court. Paul Bellar and Joseph Morrison already had probable cause hearings in State Court on Nov 13.

Until then, I'll add more current news-- including the federal indictment from Thursday links. If duplicate, please ignore.

 

[Seattle1]

Men accused in plot to kidnap, kill Gov. Whitmer formally indicted, to appear for pretrial hearing Thursday

Posted at 10:34 PM, Dec 16, 2020
and last updated 7:38 PM, Dec 16, 2020

(WXYZ) — Six men charged in a conspiracy to kidnap and kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have been formally indicted and are scheduled to appear for a pretrial conference on Thursday, Dec. 17.

(Kidnapping Conspiracy)

Defendants Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Michael-Ray Caserta are expected to appear in court Thursday for the hearing.

Six-page Federal Indictment at link above.

Case 1:20-cr-00183-RJJ ECF No. 86, PageID.574 Filed 12/16/20

 

[Seattle1]

5 charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot face indictment in federal court hearing

Defendant on video at news link above


Posted at 5:35 PM, Dec 17, 2020
and last updated 2:43 PM, Dec 17, 2020

(WXYZ) — We’re learning more information in the federal case against five men charged in the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer because of her COVID lockdown orders earlier this year.

[..]

The five pleaded not guilty in front of a Federal Magistrate Judge in Grand Rapids, one at a time, during a Zoom connection.

Four are from metro Detroit. They are Brandon Caserta of Canton, Adam Fox of Potterville, Ty Garbin of Hartland, Kaleb Franks of Waterford, and Daniel Harris of Lake Orion.

A total of 14 men are charged, including eight by the Michigan Attorney General.

[..]

The feds say they will turn over all the evidence to defense attorneys by Jan. 15 and that the trial could last three weeks.

A date has not been set. It will be held in Grand Rapids.

 

[Seattle1]

Twin brothers charged in alleged Whitmer kidnapping plot get out on bond

Posted at 6:16 AM, Dec 04, 2020
and last updated 3:19 AM, Dec 04, 2020

(WXYZ) — Two twin brothers who were among those charged in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer were the latest suspects to be released on bond.

In court on Wednesday, William and Michael Null, 38, had their $250,000 cash bonds reduced to the point where they could post 10%, cash or surety. Both men posted the bond.

Both been charged by the state with providing material support for terrorist acts, and carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

During the hearing, Attorney Tom Siver argued that the twins should be released immediately, and said that it the trial was in the wrong county. He argued the twins never left a Walmart parking lot in Cadillac.

An assistant attorney general argued the brothers were being driven to do surveillance on Whitmer's summer home, and that they didn't want to turn back and did leave the parking lot.

 

[Seattle1]

Bonds reduced to $75K for 2 men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot

Posted at 5:30 AM, Nov 13, 2020
and last updated 2:41 PM, Nov 13, 2020

(WXYZ) — Two men charged in the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer had their bonds reduced during a court hearing Friday [Nov 13].

Paul Bellar and Joseph Morrison appeared in Jackson County’s 12th District Court for a bond reduction hearing.

[..]

The judge lowered their bond to $75,000, with restrictions.

[..]

A judge reduced Musico's bond from $1 million to $100,000. He is out of jail right now with restrictions.

Court hearing video at news link above.

 

[Seattle1]

Alleged ringleader in Whitmer kidnapping plot planned to take hostages at Capitol Building, set it on fire

Posted at 2:40 PM, Nov 12, 2020
and last updated 10:10 AM, Nov 19, 2020

The feds have asked a federal judge in Grand Rapids, who has jurisdiction over six of the men charged, for a protective order to keep the names of confidential informants and undercover FBI agents private.

View the court documents below:

AG Brief for Musico Bond Hearing 10-23-20 p 1-8 by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

HON. Michael J. Klaeren
Case No. 2003173 FY

State of Michigan v.
PETE MUSICO,Defendant

 

[Niner]

Thank you @Seattle1 for ALL that info!!

Now I just need some dates! LOL! I can access the Jackson County one - so will see what it says....

edited to add: no further dates on the court site yet.

 

[Cryptic]

Men accused in plot to kidnap, kill Gov. Whitmer formally indicted, to appear for pretrial hearing Thursday

Six-page Federal Indictment at link above.

I think what is going to sink these men's defense is that they actually scouted governor's vacation house and the nearby bridge that they discussed bringing down to hinder a response.

Weapons are not illegal and neither is conducting a wide variety of paramilitary drills per se. Then factor in the deference given to first amendment free speech rights (making angry comments and having strong opinions are not illegal per se - even if made while running around with a weapon).

The above facilitates a common extremist claim that training and plans are really just for a uhmm..... "hypothetical future". As a result, extremist groups of what every ideology or religious motivation can be hard to prosecute.

But..... It is hard to claim "angry free speech" and "hypothetical only" when you go to the site of the planned attack.

 

[Niner]

Jackson County guys:

2003171FY FY STATE OF MICHIGAN V BELLAR BELLAR, PAUL, EDWARD 1998 DEFENDANT $0.00 03/03/2021 09:00 AM ADJOURNED FOR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION PENDING 12TH

link: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/D12/Search?SearchText=Paul+Bellar


2003172FY FY STATE OF MICHIGAN V MORRISON MORRISON, JOSEPH, MATTHEW 1994 DEFENDANT $0.00 03/03/2021 09:00 AM ADJOURNED FOR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION PENDING 12TH

link: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/D12/Search?SearchText=Paul+Bellar


2003173FY FY STATE OF MICHIGAN V MUSICO MUSICO, PETE 1977 DEFENDANT $0.00 03/03/2021 09:00 AM ADJOURNED FOR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION PENDING 12TH

link: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/D12/Search?SearchText=Paul+Bellar

 

[MrsWatson]

I realize that there is a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world right now, but I'm surprised that this has not been given more attention in the media. The articles have really slowed down.

 

[Seattle1]

I realize that there is a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world right now, but I'm surprised that this has not been given more attention in the media. The articles have really slowed down.

I don't recall a gag order here but I think this is about typical given the case status: the indictments made, and all charged that are going to be charged-- and now in the hands of the court.

Perhaps media will respond after Jan 15, 2021 -- the date the government has to turn over all the evidence to the defense.

Given the political nature -- nobody wants a change of venue contest either. MOO

The feds say they will turn over all the evidence to defense attorneys by Jan. 15 and that the trial could last three weeks.

A date has not been set. It will be held in Grand Rapids.

 

[Niner]

@Seattle1 - I'm guessing you have no link to the Michigan Federal court for these guys? I did not go back & look if you can...

Case # I have:
Case# 1:20mj-416

TIA if you can!

 

[Seattle1]

@Seattle1 - I'm guessing you have no link to the Michigan Federal court for these guys? I did not go back & look if you can...

Case # I have:
Case# 1:20mj-416

TIA if you can!

This the last case number I had for those indicted on 12/16/20:
Case 1:20-cr-00183-RJJ

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,Plaintiff,
vs.
ADAM DEAN FOX,BARRY GORDON CROFT, JR.,TY GERARD GARBIN,KALEB JAMES FRANKS,DANIEL JOSEPH HARRIS, andBRANDON MICHAEL-RAY CASERTA

This case will be quiet for public court docs because of the CI's and FBI request.
Govt also asked for more time -- they have until Jan 15 to turn over evidence to the defense. No court dates set.

Men accused in plot to kidnap, kill Gov. Whitmer formally indicted, to appear for pretrial hearing Thursday

Posted at 10:34 PM, Dec 16, 2020
and last updated 7:38 PM, Dec 16, 2020

(WXYZ) — Six men charged in a conspiracy to kidnap and kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have been formally indicted and are scheduled to appear for a pretrial conference on Thursday, Dec. 17.

(Kidnapping Conspiracy)

Defendants Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Michael-Ray Caserta are expected to appear in court Thursday for the hearing.

Six-page Federal Indictment at link above.

Case 1:20-cr-00183-RJJ ECF No. 86, PageID.574 Filed 12/16/20

 

[Luckyzmom]

@Seattle1 TYSM !! Will try to watch here in Mi as well, msm kind of squashed not sure about SM .

 

[Seattle1]

@Seattle1 - I'm guessing you have no link to the Michigan Federal court for these guys? I did not go back & look if you can...

Case # I have:
Case# 1:20mj-416

TIA if you can!

This is the link to the southern division/Grand Rapids for US Michigan Court and I don't find one Judge or Federal Magistrate Judge in this court with a published calendar!

Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker | Western District of Michigan | United States District Court

 

[Niner]

Thanks for the link & info on this case @Seattle1 !

 

[MrsWatson]

I wonder if any of these guys who are out on bail hopped on one of the buses from MI to DC? I was horrified to find out that at least 14 buses were organized from my home state.

I'm guessing they were on an ankle monitor. Or maybe I'm just hoping they were.

 

[MrsWatson]

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