Defense attorneys for five men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) are seeking a dismissal of the indictment, citing "egregious overreaching" by federal officials, who they say invented a conspiracy and entrapped the men.
If convicted in the alleged extremist kidnapping conspiracy, the five men – Adam Fox, 38, Barry Croft, 46, Kaleb Franks, 27, Daniel Harris, 24, and Brandon Caserta, 33 – face up to life in prison.
"When the government was faced with evidence showing that the defendants had no interest in a kidnapping plot, it refused to accept failure and continued to push its plan," the mens' attorneys wrote.
The Detroit News reports that the 20-page motion for dismissal was filed Christmas night. Defense attorneys claim that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and federal prosecutors took advantage of frustration with Whitmer's stringent COVID-19 restrictions and created the conspiracy.
If U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker, a George W. Bush appointee, dismisses the kidnapping conspiracy charge as requested, the defense argues that it would dismantle the government's case and all remaining charges, which are related to the original charge.
The defense's request follows a series of issues related to the government's handling of the case. One of the lead FBI agents, Richard Trask, was arrested on a domestic violence charge, fired, and convicted of a misdemeanor. The FBI used Stephen Robeson as an informant despite having a lengthy criminal rap sheet. Robeson pleaded guilty to a firearm-related crime but was released under a plea deal.
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Whether called Rangers, Police or Marshalls, they all began as "Militias" to Protect Law Abiding Citizens from those with complete disregard for the Laws of Society.
Lynn Bryant DeSpain
Thank You!!
FBI strikes again, caught with their pants down. Just like Jan 6th
Absolutely Bob, and far more funny with a lot less harm. Madcap, slapstick, cartoon fantasy just doesn't work well in running a Nation, with or without direction.
Lynn Bryant DeSpain
Its like Larry, Moe and Curly in cahoots with Huey, Deuy and Louie! And they ain't got no Mickey and Goofy to help them!
Lynn Bryant DeSpain
Lynn, Larry, Moe, and Curly each have more brains than all 5 of those fools combined!!!!!
The deep state is very good at creating crimes and enticing mental midgets into signing on!!!!!!!!!
Who would want to have to listen to the witch. For how many days they had her kidnapped any way? Let use a little common sense.
just another case of demonizing Militias as they did with the Huttery militia in South Michigan.. All 5 of those people were released and set free from lack of suitable evidence... I'm tired of people buying into the belief that Militias are bad... That;s exactly what the Gov wants you to believe........
Laurel, it is likely those guys aren't intelligent enough to see the scam that they agreed to participate in!!!!!!!!! Anyone with an IQ in positive numbers that said yes would then immediately contact local law enforcement and snitched on the recruiter!!!!!!!!!! This shows me none of them had an IQ in positive numbers and likely fall into triple digit negative numbers!!!!!