Free Republic

A judge wants to know why two men convicted of secondary roles in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have been transferred to federal prisons out of state. Paul Bellar and Joe Morrison are entitled to appeal their convictions following a trial on state charges in Jackson County in 2022. But their lawyers said it’s extremely hard to work with them hundreds of miles away. They said the distance interferes with a right to have access to Michigan courts. The transfer is "mind-boggling" and "appalling," said Michael Faraone, who represents Morrison. "Whatever we may say about this case,...

Three known members of the Wolverine Watchmen will stand trial but will not be charged with terrorism for allegedly participating in the plot to storm the state capitol and kidnap lawmakers. Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar, who is not pictured, were in court Monday. They are three of the several men arrested on domestic terrorism charges for the plot against the state capitol and state lawmakers, including the governor. The judge Monday ruled against the terrorism charge, but each man still faces at least 20 years in prison for other charges. The attorney general says she will explore...