Bizarre call to Troy hotel unearths possible kidnapping, drug, mail and identity theft cases
During a bizarre call to a Troy hotel, officers said they learned about a slew of potential crimes committed by the people inside one of the rooms -- including kidnapping, drug use, mail theft, identity theft, lying several times to officers and kicking out the window of a police car.
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 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
Defense for Wolverine Watchmen argue violent rhetoric against Gov. Whitmer was satirical
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.
Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov. Whitmer
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.
How a post office worker became FBI’s inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
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.
3 men charged in domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer appear in court
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.
Man agrees to plead guilty to conspiracy in domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Hartland man admitted in federal court Wednesday to training and preparing other in the domestic terrorism plot to kidnap Gov. Ty Gerard Garbin, 24, of Hartland, agreed to plead guilty to an indictment that charges him with kidnapping conspiracy. READ: 19 details inside Whitmer kidnapping defendant’s guilty pleaGarbin, an airline mechanic from Hartand is the first person to plead guilty in the domestic terrorism plot against Whitmer. The weapons of mass destruction charge comes from the improvised explosive devices that were a part of the plan. In his plea, Garbin admits to his role in training to kidnap the governor in a violent raid on her summer home.
19 details inside Whitmer kidnapping defendant’s guilty plea
Gretchen Whitmer revealed many of the unusual and disturbing details of the scheme as part of his guilty plea. Ty Gerard Garbin, 24, of Hartland, agreed to plead guilty to an indictment that charges him with kidnapping conspiracy. Whitmer, hold her hostageHere are some of the details about the plot confirmed by Garbin in the guilty plea. Group members practiced combat first aid, such as applying tourniquets and treatment gunshot or shrapnel wounds, in case they were injured during a fight with law enforcement. According to Garbin, Fox said he had a Taser and zip ties to “neutralize” Whitmer.
‘We consider him very dangerous’ -- Prosecutors plead to keep Whitmer plot suspects locked up
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
Amber Alert canceled: Madison Heights children found safe with family in Toledo
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – An Amber Alert issued Friday morning for a 4-month-old child and 1-year-old child in Madison Heights has been canceled after the children were found safe in Toledo. Madison Heights police said the children were found safe with family. Police originally believed the children had been kidnapped by an 18-year-old man was believed to be armed. The Amber Alert was issued early Friday morning warning the man may be headed to Detroit or Toledo with the children. Police said the man had assaulted the children’s father and took the children at gunpoint.
Federal grand jury indicts 6 in terrorist plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. – A federal grand jury indicted six men in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap or kill Gov. The group had allegedly stated they wanted to make their move on Whitmer before the Nov. 3 Election Day. Whitmer kidnapping plotHere’s a look at the full indictment filed Dec. 16, 2020:Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plotA Wisconsin man accused the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should be extradited to Michigan, but he will be given a chance to appeal first, a judge ruled. In October, Higgins became the 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Whitmer.
6 indicted in Whitmer kidnapping plot; feds say 1 called for killing police officers
The six men involved in the plot allegedly were part of a militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen. We know the stories of their alleged planned exploits -- surveilling Michigan Gov. (WDIV)Five Michigan residents -- Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Caserta -- and Barry Croft, of Delaware, were charged with conspiring to kidnap Whitmer. Whitmer kidnapping plotHere’s a look at the full indictment filed Dec. 16, 2020:Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plotA Wisconsin man accused the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. In October, Higgins became the 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Whitmer.
Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plot
PORTAGE, Wis. – A Wisconsin man accused in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should be extradited to Michigan, but he will be given a chance to appeal first, a judge ruled. Brian Higgins was allegedly part of a crew conducting surveillance of the governor’s vacation home for the kidnapping plot. The Wisconsin Dells man, 52, is jailed in Columbia County until the appeal of his extradition is decided. The plotters planned to storm Michigan’s state Capitol building and kidnap officials, including the Democratic governor, officials said.
A look at group texts between suspects in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Details of the secret group chat held by some of the suspects in the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap and kill Gov. Local 4 Defenders saw the group’s conversation in which one member alerted them that police questioned a former roommate of his in Milford. All defendants on the group chat are from Metro Detroit. Fox reportedly wasn’t told that members believed the suspected domestic terrorist plot had gotten out. Many of the suspects in the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap and kill Gov.
Bond lowered for twin brothers charged in terrorist plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
Many of the suspects in the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap and kill Gov. In court Wednesday, the Null brothers were hoping they might be released right away. The state said the Null brothers are a danger to police, elected officials and to the public. The judge at first denied the request to lower the $250,000 bond for the brothers, and then quickly agreed to change that to a 10% cash surety bond. The judge said if and when the brothers post bond, they will be on a GPS tether, they can work but cannot go anywhere near the governor.
Guns, maps, audio recordings -- New evidence in terrorist plot against Whitmer revealed
LANSING, Mich. – Local 4 Defenders collected new, never-before-seen evidence against the 14 men accused of the terrorist plot to kidnap and possibly kill Gov. Video shows one Wolverine Watchmen member show off his weapons -- including suppressors or silencers, and a locker packed with firearms. Another member, Brandon Caserta of Canton, is seen showing off a 800,000-volt electroshock weapon that federal investigators said he wanted to use on Whitmer. The goal was allegedly to assemble 200 men to storm the Michigan Capitol Building and take hostages -- including Whitmer. The affidavit indicates that Croft not only wanted to go after Whitmer, but other governors across the country.
Televised executions, arson, new details revealed in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer also had two other plots to kill Michigan politicians involving public executions and mass murder in the ongoing case, according to newly discovered court filings in a Michigan district court. According to the recent filings, members of the group had a Plan B which was initially Plan A. The group would storm the capitol while the legislature was in session, lock the doors and burn the capitol to the ground. One associate had allegedly attempted to take “selfies” to document entrances and exits at the capitol at a recent rally. This week the Governors of both Michigan and Wisconsin have filed the paperwork to have him extradited to Michigan.
New warrants issued for Wisconsin man charged in plot to kidnap Michigan governor
An alleged co-conspirator of the foiled domestic terror plot appeared in a Wisconsin court on Wednesday. He is accused of providing material support to the “Wolverine Watchmen” in their effort to allegedly attempt to kidnap the Michigan governor. Brian Higgins, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, appeared in a hearing Wednesday via YouTube. District Attorney Brenda Yaskal says there is now a warrant for Higgins’ arrest in both Michigan and Wisconsin. Higgins allegedly traveled to Michigan to take part in the group’s surveillance of the governor’s home up north.
Bond reduced to 1% for man charged in terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
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.
Man sentenced to year in jail in connection with Detroit police pursuit with infant in car
DETROIT – A father was sentenced Friday to a year in jail and three years of probation in connection with a police chase with his 4-month-old baby in the car. Brandon Walker, 26, pleaded guilty to child abuse after he took his daughter from his girlfriend in April and took off. Shortly after the chase was called off, the mother was able to get the baby from the vehicle in the area of Seven Mile Road and Oakfield Avenue. Other charges -- including kidnapping -- were dropped as a part of the sentencing agreement. More: Metro Detroit crime news
Judge lowers bond for alleged leader of group in terrorist plot against Whitmer
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.
Wisconsin man charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot released on $10K bail
A Wisconsin man charged in connection with the plot to kidnap Gov. Court records show Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, posted bail on Monday and attended his extradition hearing in the case. Read: Officials charge 14th person linked to domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Prosecutors said Higgins joined a group called the Wolverine Watchmen, which had been conspiring for months to kidnap Whitmer. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov.
5 men charged in domestic terror plot against Gov. Whitmer bound over for trial
LANSING, Mich. – Five of the men charged in an alleged domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. FBI officials said the men were captured on audio tapes plotting to kidnap or kill Whitmer and overthrow the state Capitol Building. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. FBI officials said the alleged plot was to storm the state Capitol Building or kidnap Whitmer from her northern Michigan vacation home. FBI officials said they were able to stop the men before that happened.
Defense questions whether domestic terror group targeting Whitmer would have gone through with plan
LANSING, Mich. – The defense attorneys for two of the men charged in connection with a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are trying to cast doubt on whether the men actually planned to go through with their scheme. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. He’s accused of plotting to launch terror attacks and then kidnap or kill Whitmer. FBI officials said the alleged plot was to storm the state Capitol Building or kidnap Whitmer from her northern Michigan vacation home.
Court hearing reveals new details in domestic terrorism plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
Court hearing reveals new details in domestic terrorism plot to kidnap Gov. WhitmerPublished: October 16, 2020, 12:08 pmThe preliminary hearing began Tuesday and featured hours of testimony by a lead FBI agent on the Michigan case, revealing new detail about investigators' use of confidential informants, undercover agents and encrypted communication to thwart the purported scheme.
Officials charge 14th person linked to domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. – Officials have charged a 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is charged with material support of an act of terrorism, a 20-year felony. He is the eighth man to be charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office. The previous seven men charged by Nessel -- Paul Bellar, Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Pete Musico and Joseph Morrison -- have been linked a domestic terror group called the Wolverine Watchmen. They also surveilled her northern Michigan vacation home, experimented with homemade explosives and trained with firearms and tactical gear, according to court records.