Three Men Acquitted in Michigan Gov. Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Trial

In a high-profile trial that captivated the nation, three men who were initially accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 have been found not guilty. The verdict was delivered on Friday, marking a significant development in a case that had its origins during the height of pandemic restrictions and civil unrest.

The defendants, identified as Molitor and the Null brothers, were facing potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison before their acquittal. The case centered on whether these individuals knowingly contributed to the alleged terrorist plot. Complicating matters was the role of FBI informants and undercover agents in gathering evidence leading to the arrests.

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed disappointment in the verdicts, stating that while they weren’t the outcomes the prosecution had hoped for, they believe they’ve sent a clear message that domestic terrorism is not tolerated in the state’s federal and state courts.

This case has seen a range of outcomes for the individuals involved. Prior to Friday’s ruling, four men had pleaded guilty, two were acquitted, two were found guilty of kidnapping conspiracy and conspiracy to possess weapons of mass destruction, and three were convicted of felony counts related to gang membership, providing material support to terrorism, and illegal weapons possession.

Here is the status of the other 11 men involved in the kidnapping plot:

• Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
• Shawn Fix pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorist acts.
• Brian Higgins pleaded guilty to material support of an act of terrorism.
• Brandon Caserta and Daniel Harris were acquitted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, explosives, and gun charges.
• Adam Fox was found guilty and sentenced to 16 years in prison for kidnapping conspiracy and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
• Joseph Morrison was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison for materially aiding a terrorist and gang membership.
• Barry Croft was found guilty and sentenced to 19 years and seven months in prison for kidnapping conspiracy, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and possessing an unregistered destructive device.
• Pete Musico was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison for materially aiding a terrorist and gang membership.
• Paul Bellar was found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison for materially aiding a terrorist and gang membership.

Notably, Adam Fox and Barry Croft have filed an appeal with the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, alleging that U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker did not adequately address allegations of jury misconduct and imposed unfair time limits on their attorneys’ cross-examinations of key government witnesses. Jonker had sentenced Fox to 16 years in prison, a lesser term than the life sentence sought by federal prosecutors, and Croft to a 19-year prison term, given his additional convictions related to weapons of mass destruction and destructive devices.

The acquittal of three individuals in the kidnapping plot trial has drawn further attention to the complexities and controversies surrounding the case. The legal battles are far from over, as appeals and ongoing investigations continue to unfold.