JOSEPH MORRISON

JACKSON, MI -- After an entrapment motion was denied, trial proceedings will move forward for three Jackson-area men accused of taking part in a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor. Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson believes the trial could last at least two weeks, likely longer. The pair are charged with one felony count each of gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts and felony firearms. Across two days of testimony, attorneys questioned “Dan” -- a confidential paid informant who infiltrated the Wolverine Watchmen -- and his handler, FBI special agent Henrik Impola. Impola said Dan deescalated the group’s plans to move forward with the kidnapping plot on multiple occasions, which Wilson agreed with in his ruling.

A judge has ruled that three men charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the 2020 election were not entrapped by the FBI.

A judge is scheduled to rule on whether three men charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the 2020 election were entrapped by the FBI.

RELATED: Attorneys to address entrapment claims at next hearing for men accused in Whitmer kidnapping plotMorrison, 27, and Musico, 43, cofounders of the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, are accused of providing materials and assistance to group members by conducting tactical training on Morrison’s Munith property. The three are among several men from Michigan with affiliations to the Wolverine Watchmen who were accused of plotting to kill police officers, attack the state Capitol in Lansing, abduct Whitmer and commit other violence. During a hearing on Wednesday, FBI special agent Henrik Impola testified regarding his involvement in recruiting a paid informant to infiltrate the Wolverine Watchmen. Impola said Dan deescalated the group’s plans to move forward with the kidnapping plot on multiple occasions. Dan had left the Wolverine Watchmen by August 2020, after Morrison and Musico accused him of being a federal agent, Impola said.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Trial proceedings for three men accused of aiding a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor are set to continue in the new year. Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar are accused of providing support to a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ahead of the 2020 election.

Attorneys for the three men charged in the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out how they plan to present their defense.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Trial preparations have begun for three Jackson-area men charged with providing support in a plot to kidnap Gov. The first pre-trial hearing in the case of Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar took place on March 25, with Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson presiding. The pair are charged with one felony count each of gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts and felony firearms. Tuesday’s conference marked the first time the case appeared in circuit court, following a three-day preliminary examination before Jackson County District Judge Michael Klaeren, which ended March 29. Morrison remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail with bond set at $150,000.

Three men the state said helped plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. READ: Informant in plot against Whitmer indicted on weapons chargesThe men had been charged with making terroristic threats online and in secret conversations on encrypted apps. The state said that both men spent time and money to train so they could attempt to kidnap Gov. AdThe judge threw out the terroristic threats charge. The judge said the charges couldn’t stand because the men had made the threats in private.

A lot of the evidence in the trial was provided by key FBI informants. READ: How a post office worker became FBI’s 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 FBI’s own informants helped train the men, allegedly pushing the plot forward. AdREAD: 19 details inside Whitmer kidnapping defendant’s guilty plea

READ: Confidential informant testifies in hearing for 3 men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Dan said one of the men working with the group wanted to hogtie Whitmer up and put her on display. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? AdThere were also discussions of installing Wolverine Watchmen members as the new government. One of the men, a supposed leader of the Wolverine Watchmen, claimed he would be targeting Michigan’s Attorney General and Lt.

LANSING, Mich. – A confidential informant for the FBI is testifying in the case against three men charged in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. The informant testified that he was there for the planning of both the storming of Michigan’s Capitol and the plot to kidnap and kill Whitmer. READ: How an informant brought down plot against Michigan Gov. He said he was introduced to the Wolverine Watchmen through a suggested page recommendation on Facebook. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen?

JACKSON, Mich. – 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.

DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov. WhitmerDefense 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. Gretchen Whitmer -- claim things only became serious when the FBI informant became involved.

JACKSON, Mich. – 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. It’s a similar defense to what was used by attorneys representing members of the Hutaree group in 2012.

“He just wanted to notify us about the Wolverine Watchmen and tell us that the group was a danger to law enforcement,” the agent said. This information was revealed at the preliminary hearing for three of the 14 men accused in the kidnapping plot against Gov. READ: How a post office worker became FBI’s inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? READ: A look at group texts between suspects in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov.

JACKSON, Mich. – 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.

JACKSON, Mich. – 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.

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. “That was one of their major worries across all the different groups.”The 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.

LANSING, Mich. – New developments were revealed in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap or kill Gov. Joseph Morrison is a marine and founding member of the Wolverine Watchmen. Morrison is facing state charges of supporting terrorism along with his father-in-law and founding member, Pete Musico. Read: Jackson County home was alleged ‘training ground’ in plot to kidnap WhitmerMorrison wants out of jail while his case continues in court. Related: Domestic terror plot leader wanted to leave Whitmer on boat in middle of Lake Michigan, FBI says

JACKSON, MI – A Jackson County judge denied a request for a second bond reduction for a man accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Jackson County Judge Michael Klaeren denied Joseph Morrison’s second request for a lower bond Dec. 18. He is still lodged at the Jackson County Jail. 6 suspects in alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Read all MLive reporting about the alleged plot here.

The bond hearing for Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar was held in Jackson County’s 12th District Court before Judge Michael Klaeren on Friday. Bellar, 21, of Milford, was charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership, carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Morrison’s bond was reduced to $150,000 cash/surety and he remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail. Once he is returned to Michigan, he will be arraigned in Antrim County’s 86th District Court on a 20-year felony charge of material support of an act of terrorism. Both Bellar and Morrison are scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.

JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s 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 court’s website, while those for Jackson County defendants can also be tracked online.

JACKSON, MI – One of the men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Paul Bellar, 21, posted bond Friday, Nov. 13, Jackson County Sheriff Capt. Bellar posted bond after a hearing before Jackson County District Judge Michael Klaeren where his bond was reduced from $10 million to $75,000. Bond reduced for Jackson-area men charged in Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plotBellar is the second of three people charged in Jackson County to post bond.

JACKSON, MI – All three Jackson-area men charged in connection with the plot to kidnap Gov. Jackson County District Judge Michael Klaeren reduced the $10 million bond set for Joseph Morrison, 26, to $150,000 and the $500,000 bond for Paul Bellar, 21, to $75,000 after hearing arguments at a bond hearing Friday, Nov. 13. Man accused in plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer free on bondMorrison, Bellar and Musico are three of eight charged individuals believed to be involved in the plot to kidnap Whitmer. He’s the commander of the watchmen.”The ties that bind the men behind the plot to kidnap Gov.

Gretchen Whitmer was recently released from Jackson County Jail after he posted bond, officials confirmed. Pete Musico, 42, of Munith, posted a $100,000 bond on Friday, Oct. 30, Jackson County Sheriff Capt. Related: Read all MLive coverage of plot to kidnap Whitmer here. The men are two of eight people charged at the state level for their alleged involvement in the plot to kidnap Whitmer. Bellar and Morrison are still lodged at the Jackson County Jail, per jail records.

LANSING, Mich. – 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. “It 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.

LANSING, Mich. – 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.

JACKSON, MI – Outside of a bond hearing set for next week, two Munith men arrested in an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. $10 million bond set for Munith men arrested in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Calling the case “complicated with many issues,” Klaeren ordered a bond hearing set for Friday, Oct. 23. 14th suspect charged in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot justified, attorneys sayNew suspect from Wisconsin identified in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov.

A pair of suspects in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Related: What we know about the plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Harris earned the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Whitmer received pardon for crimes in 201913 men face charges in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, start ‘civil war’$10 million bond set for Munith men arrested in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov.

LANSING, Mich. – 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 client’s 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 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.

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)

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 – The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Saturday that two men charged in plots against Michigan’s 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 “unrelated to (his) current situation.”Morrison’s last assignment was with the 4th Marine Logistics Group in Battle Creek, Michigan.

What we know about the plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Read more on MLive:Michigan men charged in kidnapping plot trained with guns, explosives, neighbors say$10 million bond set for Munith men arrested in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerMan accused in Whitmer kidnapping plot defended Confederate statue at June protestPlot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prompts renewed calls to ban guns in Michigan Capitol buildingNorthern Michigan town grapples with plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer from local vacation homeTrump criticizes Whitmer after FBI foiled plot to kidnap Michigan governor

Local 4 has learned more Friday about the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. That’s when the Wolverine Watchmen caught the FBI’s attention. In June, the men involved in the kidnapping conspiracy started meeting with members of the Wolverine Watchmen and recruiting others to their ranks. “They belong to a group, a militia group, called the Wolverine Watchmen. A house on Dunn Road in Munith that was raided Oct. 8, 2020, in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov.

If you’re looking to get caught up on Thursday’s announcement about a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, here’s what to know. These are 10 of the 13 people who were charged after the FBI uncovered a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. BOTTOM (left to right): Pete Musico, Eric Molitor, William Null, Michael Null, Joseph Morrison.

MUNITH, Mich. – 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.

MUNITH, Mich. – 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.

Paul Bellar, 21, of Milford, was charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and a felony firearm violation. Providing material support for terrorists acts, threat of terrorism and gang membership are each 20-year felonies. The felony firearm violations come with mandatory two-year prison sentences, to be served consecutively. You can view mugshots for Bellar, Musico, Morrison, Molitor, Fix and the Nulls below. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov.

LANSING, Mich. – Thirteen people have been accused of participating in a scheme to kidnap Michigan Gov. READ: 13 charged in militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer as hostage, overthrow Michigan government, feds sayClick the link above for a deep dive into the details of the scheme to kidnap Whitmer from her vacation home. The six men charged in federal court were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted. READ: FBI: Group plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov.

JACKSON, MI – Two Munith men arrested in an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and potentially kill other state officials in an effort to overturn the government were arraigned in Jackson County Thursday afternoon. Read the FBI complaint detailing plot to kidnap Gov. 13 men face charges in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, start 'civil warPreliminary examinations for Morrison and Musico are scheduled for Oct. 21 before Jackson County District Judge Michael Klaeren.