Grand Rapids judge denied motion for new trial for 2 members involved in Whitmer kidnapping plot
Found guilty in August of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and trying to obtain a weapon of mass destruction, a federal judge in Grand Rapids has denied the motion for a new trial for Barry Croft and Adam Fox.
Guns, cash, meth, heroin found when Michigan officials raid 3 hotel rooms, storage facility
Michigan officials found guns, cash, methamphetamine and heroin when they executed four connected search warrants this week -- three at hotel rooms and one at a nearby storage facility, according to authorities.
Informant in plot against Whitmer indicted on weapons charges
A lot of the evidence in the trial was provided by key FBI informants. READ: How a post office worker became FBIโs inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. WhitmerAdThe FBI has named one of their key informants as Steven Robeson from Wisconsin. Attorneys for the men will argue the men were just talking about the plot and the FBIโs own informants helped train the men, allegedly pushing the plot forward. AdREAD: 19 details inside Whitmer kidnapping defendantโs guilty plea
What is the more contagious South African variant of COVID-19? Is it more dangerous?
DETROIT โ Michigan health officials are tracking a confirmed case of the more contagious South African variant of COVID-19. READ: Everything we know about virus variants in Michigan, USWhat is the South African variant? The B117 variant of the coronavirus appears to be at least 50 percent more transmissible. One particular mutation in the B117 variant, known as the N501Y, has already been found in other variants across the world. READ: Michigan confirms first case of South African COVID variant in Jackson CountyRead more:
Morning Briefing March 9, 2021: Michigan confirms first case of South African COVID variant, school funding fuels hybrid learning debate, more
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that the first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 has been identified in a child in Jackson County. The health department did not say how the boy was infected but a case investigation is underway to determine close contacts and if there are additional cases associated. This new variant was originally detected in South Africa in October 2020 and shares some mutations with the B117 variant. From reporter Jason Colthorp:Two pieces of legislation passed last week offering additional funding for Michigan schools that provide at least 20 hours of in-person learning. Michigan has reported more than 2.6 million doses of the COVID-19 administered, as of Monday, with 20.9% total coverage in Michigan.
Michigan confirms first case of South African COVID variant in Jackson County
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that the first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 has been identified in a child in Jackson County. This new variant was originally detected in South Africa in October 2020 and shares some mutations with the B117 variant. The first case of the B117 variant -- originally detected in the United Kingdom -- was identified in Washtenaw County. This case in Michigan is the only one identified at this time. It was first reported in the U.S. on Jan. 28 when it was identified in two people in South Carolina.
Defense for Wolverine Watchmen argue violent rhetoric against Gov. Whitmer was satirical
JACKSON, Mich. โ Defense attorneys for Pete Musico, his son-in-law Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar -- who are accused of being involved in a domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? Thursday was day two of the hearing for the three members of the Wolverine Watchmen. AdThe defense attorneys used a series of different arguments Thursday. READ: Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov.
Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov. Whitmer
JACKSON, Mich. โ Defense attorneys for Pete Musico, his son-in-law Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar -- who are accused of being involved in a domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? Thursday was day two of the hearing for the three members of the Wolverine Watchmen. The defense also portrayed the violent rhetoric about Whitmer as satirical and that their activities only escalated after an FBI informant got involved. Itโs a similar defense to what was used by attorneys representing members of the Hutaree group in 2012.
How a post office worker became FBIโs inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
JACKSON, Mich. โ New evidence in the domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. READ: 3 men charged in domestic terrorism plot against Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? RELATED: A look at group texts between suspects in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov. The man wanted out, but the FBI asked him to stay with the Wolverine Watchmen, wear a wire, record everything and risk his life.
3 men charged in domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer appear in court
JACKSON, Mich. โ Attorneys for Pete Musico, his son-in-law Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar -- who are accused of being involved in a domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. The attorneys are questioning the description of the Wolverine Watchmen as a terrorist organization. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? The FBI said they never heard of the Wolverine Watchmen until one of them created a Facebook Group. RELATED: A look at group texts between suspects in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov.
Militias in Michigan: A troubling presence dating back decades
The Michigan Militia was first brought to the spotlight after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. AdTimothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, the men who carried out the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, were said to have attended Michigan Militia meetings. Dr. JoEllen Vinyard, a retired EMU history professor, studied the Michigan Militia in the late 1990s and into the early 2000s. โThat was one of their major worries across all the different groups.โThe early meetings of the Michigan Militia were attended by McVeigh and Nichols. April 9, 2013: Hutaree members sue FBI, Michigan State PoliceAdArena said militia groups have always been a concern for the FBI.
Michigan husband, wife die from COVID on the same day, 1 minute apart
JACKSON, Mich. โ Just days before Thanksgiving, a Michigan family lost both of their parents to coronavirus. Nov. 28, 2020: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 350,021; Death toll now at 9,036Leslie and Patricia McWalters spent nearly 50 years together before dying on the same day, one minute apart. โOne wouldnโt have wanted to be without the other.โThe couple was married for more than 47 years. โThey picked their battles.โBut coronavirus was a battle the Jackson couple couldnโt beat. โOur entire family is completely devastated.โAnyone who believes they might have coronavirus should follow the CDC guidelines.
Prosecution against 8 men in Michigan domestic terror plot continues
JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. โ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesselโs prosecution against the eight men facing domestic terrorism charges for an alleged plot to storm the Capitol building and kidnap elected officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, continued Friday with a bond hearing for two of the defendants in Jackson County 12th District Court. He remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail. Brian Higgins, 52, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is being extradited to Michigan from Columbia County, Wisconsin. Future court dates for Antrim County defendants can be tracked online at the courtโs website, while those for Jackson County defendants can also be tracked online.
Bond reduced to 1% for man charged in terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. โ Pete Musico -- one of the men charged in the domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Prosecutors claim Musico and Joseph Morrison are founding members of Wolverine Watchmen and allowed other suspects to train on their property in Jackson County. RELATED: View: Mugshots for all 14 people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. โIt is not lawful to plot to kidnap the governor of the state of Michigan," said state attorney Greg Townsend. If he makes bond, Musico will be set free and monitored by a tether.
Judge lowers bond for alleged leader of group in terrorist plot against Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. โ The bond hearing for two men charged in connection with the domestic terrorist plot against Gov. WhitmerMusico, reported to be the head of the Wolverine Watchmen, had his bond hearing first. He also said that Musico was kicked out of the Wolverine Watchmen for being too soft. The office wanted a $10 million bond, but the judge sided with Musico and reduced the bond to $100,000. If he makes bond, Musico will be set free and monitored by a tether.
Local 4 News at Noon -- Oct. 23, 2020
DETROIT โ Hereโs what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Judge lowers bond for alleged leader of group in terrorist plot against WhitmerHis lawyer said Musico canโt be charged with terrorism for planning and training for a terrorist attack against the governor if they didnโt act on the plans.
2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US Military
LANSING, Mich. โ Local 4 has learned two of the men arrested in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer spent time in the military. READ: 2 charged in Michigan terrorist plots served in US MarinesThe U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris of Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith served for years. The Marines said Harris trained with rifles and Morrison served in the Marine Corps Reserve until Thursday, the day he was arraigned. Parker Douglas, the attorney for Daniel Harris -- one of the 13 men accused of being apart of a terrorist plot to kidnap Whitmer who was charged with Domestic Terrorism, Conspiracy and Weapon Charges -- is addressing the claims on his clientโs behalf. The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris from Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith, were Marines for years.
2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US Military
2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US MilitaryPublished: October 10, 2020, 11:13 pmThe U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris of Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith served for years. The Marines said Harris trained with rifles and Morrison served in the Marine Corps Reserve until Thursday, the day he was arraigned.
2 charged in Michigan plots served in US Marines
This photo provided by the Jackson County Sheriffs Office shows Joseph Morrison. Agents foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, authorities said Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 in announcing charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch her from her vacation home. According to an FBI affidavit, Morrison is one of the founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen, which authorities described as an anti-government, anti-law enforcement militia group. (Jackson County Sheriffs Office via AP)
2 charged in Michigan terrorist plots served in US Marines
Gretchen Whitmer, authorities said Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 in announcing charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch her from her vacation home. (Jackson County Sheriffs Office via AP)DETROIT โ The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Saturday that two men charged in plots against Michiganโs government spent time in the military. Harris is one of six men charged federally with conspiring to kidnap Democratic Gov. Morrison was a lance corporal and served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 2015 until Thursday, the day he was arraigned on state charges. The Marine Corps said his departure from the reserves is โunrelated to (his) current situation.โMorrisonโs last assignment was with the 4th Marine Logistics Group in Battle Creek, Michigan.
A closer look at alleged โtraining groundโ in Jackson County in Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot
MUNITH, Mich. โ FBI agents raided a home in Jackson County early Thursday in connection with the kidnapping plot against Gov. Neighbor Pam Karschnock and many others had been fed up with all the shooting at the home in recent months. But Karschnock and others came to learn Thursday that there was more than guys just firing automatic weapons. Karschnock lives next door to the home on Dunn Road in Munith that was raided. In addition to the shooting, neighbors said they had seen several men in militia fatigues at the home on Dunn Road, as well as hearing more than gunshots.
Jackson County home was alleged โtraining groundโ in plot to kidnap Whitmer
MUNITH, Mich. โ Federal and state officials have charged 13 people after uncovering a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and overthrow the Michigan government, FBI agents said. Through confidential informants and undercover agents, the FBI gained access to audio recordings, ground messages and secret meetings as the group plotted for months, according to court records. In addition to a Wednesday night raid in Hartland, FBI agents also raided the home of two of the suspects in Jackson County. Authorities said the Munith home served as a training facility for members of the group now facing terrorism charges.
Oakland County leads Michigan for car crashes involving deer in 2019
BEVERLY HILLS, Mich. โ According to data from the Michigan Office Of Highway Safety Planning, Oakland County leads the state for the number of vehicle crashes involving deer in 2019. There were 1,928 vehicle-deer crashes reported in Oakland County last year. The total is a 10 percent increase in crashes in 2019 compared to 2018, making it a 10-year high statewide. READ: Reminder to Michigan drivers: Donโt veer for deerOaklandโs 2019 vehicle-deer crash numbers were followed by Kent County, which had 1,689. Information on vehicle-deer crashes in Southeast Michigan can be found here.
Aerial treatment to help prevent spread of EEE completed in Michigan
Aerial treatment to prevent the spread of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been completed with approximately 462,000 acres treated, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Thursday. The treatment, which started on Sept. 16, was completed Wednesday, according to MDHHS. โAerial treatment was important to protect the health and safety of Michiganders,โ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. A Montcalm County resident is suspected of having EEE following preliminary testing. Individuals younger than 15 and over 50 are at a high risk on contracting the virus, MDHHS said in a press release.
First 2020 human EEE case confirmed in Michigan, aerial treatments to resume Monday
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the second night of aerial treatment to combat the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has resulted in more than 226,000 total acres being completed across the state. MDHHS confirmed Friday that one human case has been confirmed in Barry County. โTreatment is being conducted to protect the health and safety of Michiganders in the affected areas,โ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. Additionally, a deer in Allegan County has been diagnosed with EEE. Impacted counties are now Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Livingston, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland.
6 additional EEE cases reported in horses in Michigan, expanding to Livingston County
With the second day of aerial treatment conducted for counties at risk of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Thursday that six more cases were confirmed in horses, expanding Livingston County to the list. MDHHS said the new cases brings the total to 28 cases and 11 counties. The new EEE cases means expanding treatment in Jackson, Kent, Livingston and Montcalm counties, according to a press release from MDHHS. โThese additional cases of EEE in horses underscores the importance of providing aerial treatment in the affected counties,โ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. โHorse owners are not required to vaccinate their animals for EEE,โ said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM in the press release.
First night of aerial treatment underway for Michigan counties at high risk of EEE
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Wednesday the first night of aerial treatment is underway to combat the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in Montcalm and Clare counties. Other counties -- including Kent, Newaygo, Oceana, Muskegon, Mecosta and Ionia counties -- may receive treatment Wednesday depending on the weather. While EEE has been confirmed in horses, a West Michigan resident is also suspected of having the mosquito-borne illness -- the first human known to contract EEE this year in Michigan. Michiganders are strongly urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the suspected EEE case along with nine confirmed cases of West Nile Virus. The outbreak at that time extended to 10 human cases and 46 animal cases.
Health experts concerned about EEE, West Nile Virus in Michigan
Officials are set to conduct aerial mosquito treatment Wednesday night in 10 Michigan counties that are considered high risk for the deadly disease Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). State officials said theyโre concerned about increasing cases of EEE in horses and the first suspected human case in a man from Barry County. Late summer and early autumn is the time of year when cases of West Nile Virus and EEE rise. In addition to concerns about EEE, there have also been nine confirmed cases of West Nile Virus -- including cases in Wayne and Oakland counties and Detroit. RELATED: Michigan confirms first 2020 human case of West Nile virus in Wayne County residentIn addition to wearing mosquito repellent, experts recommend getting rid of standing water around your property to remove potential breeding grounds and repairing any holes in window screens.
Charges filed against 2 Michigan police officers after state reviews
LANSING, Mich. โ Two Michigan police officers were charged with misconduct in separate incidents involving allegations of excessive force and an illegal search, authorities said Tuesday. Former Saginaw Officer Adam Collier was charged with misconduct in office, a felony. He's accused of striking a handcuffed woman with his fist while she was under arrest for an alleged assault in July. In Jackson County, Blackman-Leoni Township Officer David Lubahn was charged with perjury and misconduct in office. โLaw enforcement officers take an oath of office and we fully expect them to uphold that promise,โ Attorney General Dana Nessel said.
Aerial mosquito treatment planned for 10 Michigan counties considered high risk for EEE
Officials are set to conduct aerial mosquito treatment in 10 Michigan counties that are considered high risk for the deadly disease Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 22 cases of EEE in horses across Michigan. READ: Oakland County residents urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites amid confirmed EEE casesHealth officials have determined a targeted aerial treatment plan is necessary. This means mosquito control treatment will be required for those areas that are identified by the aerial treatment plan, with exception of federal properties and tribal lands. Aerial treatment is conducted by specialized aircraft, beginning in the early evening and continuing up until the following dawn.
Invasive aquatic plant found in 4 Michigan inland lakes
LANSING, Mich. An invasive aquatic plant first detected in southeastern Michigan in 1996 has been found in four inland lakes in Washtenaw and Jackson counties. The presence of European frogbit has been confirmed within the Waterloo Recreation Area, according to Michigans Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. European frogbit resembles a miniature water lily with leaves about the size of a quarter. Since its initial detection in southeastern Michigan, the plant has spread along the coastal areas of lakes Erie and Huron up to the eastern Upper Peninsula. It also has been found in two lakes near Grand Rapids, several small bodies of water in Oakland County and in the Lower Grand River in Ottawa County and Pentwater Lake in Oceana County.
Puppy with cleft lip at Jackson animal shelter finds companion in boy with cleft lip
JACKSON, Mich. A Michigan boy with a birth defect found his perfect match. It was pure happiness at the Jackson County Animal Shelter when 2-year-old Bentley Boyers got to take his new puppy home Friday. WILX reports Bentleys dad, Brandon Boyers came to the shelter to look at chickens he was thinking about adopting when a 2-month-old puppy with a cleft lip caught his eye. They family knew they had to bring her home to show Bentley he isnt alone. To see him have something in common with a puppy means a lot because he can grow up and understand that he and his puppy both have something that they can share in common, said Bentleys mother, Ashley Boyers.
Invasive European frog-bit plant found in 4 Michigan lakes
Michigan environmental officials announced they have recently confirmed the presence of an invasive aquatic plant in at least four lakes. European frog-bit was first detected in southeast Michigan in 1996 and has since spread along the coastal areas of lakes Erie and Huron up to the eastern Upper Peninsula. Aquatic invasive species have the potential to harm Michigans environment, economy and human health. While waterfowl, currents and stream flow can spread the plant and its seeds, European frog-bit, like most invasive species, travels farther and faster by human movement. Reports also can be made to EGLEs Aquatic Invasive Species Program by email to EGLE-WRD-ANC@michigan.gov or by calling 517-284-5593.
Michigan women, man face possibility of life in prison on sex charges, police say
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, Mich. Two women and a man are facing the possibility of life in prison after being arrested during a Michigan child sex predator investigation, state police said. Officials said Rosemary Carroll, 18, Stephanie Holliday, 20, and Jeremie Hankerd, 20, were arrested July 31 at their apartment in Summit Township. Michigan State Police officials were investigating suspicious online activity over social media, authorities said. The investigation led to the Summit Township apartment, where police found multiple devices and and evidence for the case, officials said. Rosemary Carroll (Michigan State Police)Stephanie Holliday (Michigan State Police)
2 arrested in Somerset Mall carjacking
TROY, Mich. โ Two people are in police custody after allegedly hijacking a vehicle outside of Somerset Mall on Thursday morning. Police say at about 7:30 a.m. two males were approached by four people in a silver Nissan when exiting the mall. Two suspects took the victimsโ 2016 black Dodge Charger and fled the scene while the other two suspects fled the scene in the Nissan. A black 2016 Dodge Charger was hijacked from two people at Somerset Mall on the morning of July 23, 2020. The two suspects from Tennessee are being housed at the Jackson County Jail and are expected to be arraigned soon.
Michigan Congressman announces nearly $2 million in funding for local health centers amid coronavirus pandemic
JACKSON, Mich. โ Michigan Congressman Tim Walberg announced nearly $2 million in federal grants for two health centers in Michiganโs 7th district on Wednesday. To aid their response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Center for Family Health in Jackson County will receive $1,039,385 and the Family Medical Center of Michigan in Lenawee and Monroe Counties will receive $839,300 among them, officials said. Related: Coronavirus in Michigan: Hereโs where we stand todayโThe Coronavirus has placed an enormous strain on every facet of our health care system,โ said Walberg. โCommunity health centers are on the front lines of providing patient-centered care, especially during a public health emergency. This additional funding comes at a critical time, and I will continue my efforts to ensure Michiganโs health care workers and providers have the necessary resources to combat the Coronavirus.โThe federal grants were authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, officials said.