Trial Date Set in Case of Alleged Kidnapping Plot

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was said to be the target
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 16, 2021 11:13 AM CST
Trial Date Set in Case of Alleged Kidnapping Plot
This photo combo shows from top left, Kaleb Franks, Brandon Caserta, Adam Dean Fox, and bottom left, Daniel Harris, Barry Croft, and Ty Garbin.   (Kent County Sheriff via AP File)

A federal judge has set a March 23 trial date for six men charged with plotting to kidnap Michigan's governor in what authorities say was a plot by anti-government extremists who were angry over her coronavirus policies, the AP reports. In December, a grand jury indicted Adam Dean Fox, Barry Gordon Croft Jr., Ty Gerard Garbin, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris, and Brandon Michael-Ray Caserta on a conspiracy charge that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. They are all from Michigan except for Croft, who lives in Delaware.

The six were arrested in early October following an FBI investigation into an alleged plot to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at her vacation home in northern Michigan. Several of their attorneys argued that their clients were “big talkers” who did not intend to follow through with action. Eight other men who are said to be members or associates of the Wolverine Watchmen are charged in state court with counts including providing material support for terrorist acts. Some of them are accused of taking part in the alleged plot against Whitmer.

(More Michigan stories.)

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