News

3 accused of assisting governor kidnapping plot stand trial

Joseph Morrison
Pete Musico
Thomas Wilson
Pete Musico
Joseph Morrison
Paul Bellar
Paul Bellar
Posted at 10:55 AM, Oct 05, 2022
and last updated 2022-10-05 10:55:24-04

JACKSON, Mich. (AP) — Jurors in the trial of three men charged in connection with a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have been told about the formation and actions of a paramilitary group the government says trained as part of the scheme.

Assistant Attorney General Bill Rollstin described the Wolverine Watchmen on Wednesday as a gang and told jurors in his opening statements in Jackson County Circuit Court that its purpose "was to target law enforcement for violent action."

Rollstin also said Joe Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar were members of the group. The three are not charged with directly participating in the kidnapping scheme.

Instead, they are accused of assisting others who did.