A flirt? Concerns about juror in case tied to Whitmer plot
2 years, 5 months ago

A flirt? Concerns about juror in case tied to Whitmer plot

Associated Press  

Prosecutors raised concerns Wednesday about a female juror who apparently has been smiling at one of three men on trial in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Judge Thomas Wilson said he, too, noticed it and pledged to pay “close attention” to the juror. “Since the start of the trial — and we’re prepared to offer sworn testimony on this from two different witnesses — there’s been nonverbal communication” between a juror and Bellar, said Assistant Attorney General Bill Rollstin. He suggested that Bellar sent a signal Wednesday by clenching his fists and shaking them in an “affirmative way.” But Bellar’s attorney, Andrew Kirkpatrick, said that was a misinterpretation: Bellar was excited because the lawyer had offered him Skittles candy for his birthday. “There’s no way of telling what’s in a juror’s mind and what exactly she’s doing or thinking.” Musico’s attorney, Kareem Johnson, said claims of flirtatious behavior are “just sexist.” “This is a juror that both sides agreed upon,” he said.

Juror Bellar Musico Whitmer Plot  juror  tied  concerns  trial  attorney  bellar  testimony  witnesses  theres  smiles  flirt  wilson  case  whitmer  plot

History of this topic

Lawyers select 12 jurors to serve in Donald Trump's hush-money case
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Lawyers select 12 jurors to serve in Donald Trump's hush-money case

Hindustan Times  

Lawyers in Donald Trump's historic criminal trial on Thursday selected 12 jurors who will assess his guilt or innocence over the coming weeks in a case stemming from a hush-money payment to a porn star. Roughly half of the first 196 jurors screened in heavily Democratic Manhattan were been dismissed after saying they could not impartially assess the Republican politician's …

Michigan attorney general blames Gov. Whitmer kidnap trial acquittals on ‘right-leaning’ jurors
1 year, 6 months ago

Michigan attorney general blames Gov. Whitmer kidnap trial acquittals on ‘right-leaning’ jurors

Associated Press  

DETROIT — Michigan’s attorney general suggested conservative politics played a role in the acquittal of three men in the final trial related to a plan to kidnap Democratic Gov. Dana Nessel, also a Democrat, told a liberal group Monday the trial was held in a “very right-leaning county.” She said Friday’s verdicts were “perplexing, confusing but terrifying.” The Detroit News …

Jury clears 3 men in the last trial tied to the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
1 year, 6 months ago

Jury clears 3 men in the last trial tied to the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A jury acquitted three men …

Jury clears three men of plotting to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer
1 year, 6 months ago

Jury clears three men of plotting to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A jury has found …

Jury clears 3 men in the last trial tied to the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
1 year, 6 months ago

Jury clears 3 men in the last trial tied to the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Associated Press  

A jury acquitted three men Friday in the last trial connected to a plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Outside the courthouse, a juror approached Molitor and “said he was very sorry for all he had gone through,” defense attorney William Barnett told The Associated Press. Jurors were repeatedly shown images of the Null brothers and Molitor bearing guns and “kitted …

Jury selection begins in final trial over foiled plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor in 2020
1 year, 7 months ago

Jury selection begins in final trial over foiled plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor in 2020

Associated Press  

BELLAIRE, Mich. — Nearly three years after authorities foiled a bizarre plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. The Nulls and Molitor attended a training session in Luther, Michigan, where a “shoot house” was constructed to simulate Whitmer’s vacation home, witnesses previously testified. Whitmer’s neighborhood and to interact with the other two vehicles participating in the surveillance by using hand-held radios,” prosecutors …

Judge allows anonymous jury for Trump rape lawsuit trial
2 years ago

Judge allows anonymous jury for Trump rape lawsuit trial

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Jurors’ names will be kept secret at the upcoming civil trial in a writer’s rape lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, a judge ruled Thursday, citing “a very strong risk” they would otherwise face harassment and more. The Associated Press and the Daily News of New York objected to the plan to conceal the identities of jurors …

3 men tied to leader of Whitmer kidnap plot face sentencing
2 years, 3 months ago

3 men tied to leader of Whitmer kidnap plot face sentencing

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. They held gun training with Fox in rural Jackson …

Judge denies bid for new trial in Whitmer kidnapping case
2 years, 4 months ago

Judge denies bid for new trial in Whitmer kidnapping case

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A federal judge has denied a new trial request by two men convicted of conspiring to kidnap Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Lawyers for Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. alleged misconduct by a juror and unfairness by U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker following their conviction by a federal jury in August. Defense lawyers said a juror seated …

3 men convicted of supporting plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
2 years, 5 months ago

3 men convicted of supporting plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer

Associated Press  

Three men accused of supporting terrorism in the plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor were convicted of all charges Wednesday in a trial that focused on paramilitary drills and fierce contempt for government ahead of the 2020 election. The verdicts “are further proof that violence and threats have no place in our politics,” said Whitmer, who has not participated as a …

Three militia members guilty in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
2 years, 5 months ago

Three militia members guilty in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Raw Story  

Three men were convicted on multiple felony charges in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. A Jackson County jury found Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar guilty Wednesday morning on all charges following a three-week trial, and the men could face more than 20 years in prison when they're sentenced Dec. 15, reported MLive. Their defense attorneys argued the …

Trial testimony ends for 3 tied to Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot
2 years, 5 months ago

Trial testimony ends for 3 tied to Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot

Associated Press  

Prosecutors and defense lawyers rested their case Friday in the trial of three men charged with assisting the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. An undercover FBI agent, Mark Schweers, told jurors that leader Adam Fox talked favorably about the Wolverine Watchmen, a paramilitary group whose members included Joe Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar. The trial in state court …

Accused of flirting, juror dismissed from Whitmer plot trial
2 years, 5 months ago

Accused of flirting, juror dismissed from Whitmer plot trial

Associated Press  

JACKSON, Mich. — A judge has dismissed a young woman from the jury hearing the trial of three men in connection with a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Judge Thomas Wilson announced Friday that the woman has been removed from the jury, two days after attorneys raised concerns the juror was having too much non-verbal communication with defendant Paul …

Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot trial juror is accused of flirting with defendant by 'making eyes'
2 years, 5 months ago

Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot trial juror is accused of flirting with defendant by 'making eyes'

Daily Mail  

Bellar is one of three currently on trial for participating in the foiled 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer The defense also said Bellar never shook his fists at the juror, but instead had been cheering over some skittles had been offered as a birthday treat Bellar's defense attorney agreed he had seen the juror's looks, but said …

Jury in 3rd trial won’t hear earlier results in Whitmer plot
2 years, 5 months ago

Jury in 3rd trial won’t hear earlier results in Whitmer plot

Associated Press  

The results of two federal trials won’t be shared with jurors hearing evidence against three men who are charged in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Defense lawyers pressed a judge in Jackson, Michigan, to let the jury know what happened to the six men who were separately charged with conspiracy in federal court. “I’m not comfortable with …

Jury pool warned of rough talk in trial tied to Whitmer plot
2 years, 5 months ago

Jury pool warned of rough talk in trial tied to Whitmer plot

Associated Press  

JACKSON, Mich. — Questions about guns, secretly recorded “repugnant” talk and even the Jan. 6 Capitol riot dominated jury selection Monday in the third trial connected to a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. “Let’s talk about Jan. 6 at the United States Capitol.. A rather uncivilized event,” Assistant Attorney General Bill Rollstin said. “We’re talking about events that …

EXPLAINER: 3 more on trial in Michigan governor kidnap plot
2 years, 5 months ago

EXPLAINER: 3 more on trial in Michigan governor kidnap plot

Associated Press  

JACKSON, Mich. — A scheme to kidnap Michigan’s governor in 2020 will get yet another airing in a different court when three men face trial Monday, just weeks before voters consider whether to reelect Gretchen Whitmer to a second term. “They didn’t go out and participate in a plan to kidnap the governor,” Assistant Attorney General Sunita Doddamani said in …

2 men convicted in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot seek new trial
2 years, 6 months ago

2 men convicted in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot seek new trial

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Lawyers for two men convicted of conspiring to kidnap Michigan’s governor are asking for a new trial, alleging misconduct by a juror and unfairness by the judge. The court filing, unsealed Thursday, reveals an aggressive effort to learn more about a juror, even sending a private investigator to the juror’s workplace on Aug. 23, the same …

5 tied to Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot face key hearing
2 years, 7 months ago

5 tied to Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot face key hearing

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A judge began hearing evidence …

Whitmer kidnap plot convictions unlikely to curb extremism
2 years, 7 months ago

Whitmer kidnap plot convictions unlikely to curb extremism

Associated Press  

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The conviction of two men for conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Barbara McQuade, a former federal prosecutor, said refusing to do so would have been “the coward’s way out.” “We’re seeing an escalation of threats of violence against public officials,” McQuade said. He described the Whitmer kidnapping plan as a “fake deal.” Jury selection in the …

Jury is told 2 men wanted to kidnap Whitmer, start revolt
2 years, 7 months ago

Jury is told 2 men wanted to kidnap Whitmer, start revolt

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two anti-government extremists sought to spark a “second American revolution” by kidnapping Michigan Gov. The steps included gun drills in a handmade “shoot house,” two rides to see Whitmer’s northern Michigan home and a stop at a nearby bridge where an explosive might be placed, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher O’Connor said. “They wanted to violently overthrow …

Jury picked in 2nd trial in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot
2 years, 7 months ago

Jury picked in 2nd trial in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After questions about guns, politics and COVID-19, a jury was selected Tuesday for the second trial of two men charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. The judge and lawyers settled on 18 people, including six alternates, to hear the case against Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. They’re on trial again after a jury in …

EXPLAINER: 2 men in Gov. Whitmer plot could be tried again
2 years, 11 months ago

EXPLAINER: 2 men in Gov. Whitmer plot could be tried again

Associated Press  

DETROIT — A jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict for two men charged in a conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. The jury last week acquitted Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta, whom prosecutors described as “soldiers” in the foiled plot, but deadlocked on the alleged leaders, Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge told reporters Friday that …

EXPLAINER: 2 men in Gov. Whitmer plot could be tried again
2 years, 11 months ago

EXPLAINER: 2 men in Gov. Whitmer plot could be tried again

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The jury last week acquitted Daniel Harris and Brandon …

Whitmer kidnap plot: 2 men acquitted, hung jury for 2 more
2 years, 11 months ago

Whitmer kidnap plot: 2 men acquitted, hung jury for 2 more

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A jury acquitted two men of all charges in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. “Obviously we’re disappointed with the outcome.. We have two defendants that are awaiting trial and we’ll get back to work on that,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said. During closing arguments a week ago, Fox’s attorney, Christopher Gibbons, said the plan was …

Whitmer kidnap plot: 2 men acquitted, hung jury for 2 more
2 years, 11 months ago

Whitmer kidnap plot: 2 men acquitted, hung jury for 2 more

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A jury on Friday acquitted two men of all charges in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. “Obviously we’re disappointed with the outcome.. We have two defendants that are awaiting trial and we’ll get back to work on that,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said. During closing arguments a week ago, Fox’s attorney, Christopher Gibbons, said the …

2 men are acquitted in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer; hung jury on 2 more
2 years, 11 months ago

2 men are acquitted in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer; hung jury on 2 more

NPR  

2 men are acquitted in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer; hung jury on 2 more Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP Patrick Semansky/AP GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two of four men were acquitted Friday in a conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. The jury's verdicts against Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta were read in the federal court in …

2 days, no verdict in Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot case
2 years, 11 months ago

2 days, no verdict in Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot case

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A jury emerged Tuesday with no verdict yet in the trial of four men charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker thanked jurors for their “ongoing attentiveness and work” and told them to return Wednesday for a third day of deliberations. With undercover FBI agents and informants embedded in the group, …

Jury gets case of 4 men charged in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot
3 years ago

Jury gets case of 4 men charged in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A prosecutor urged jurors Friday to convict four men in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Defense attorneys, meanwhile, panned the government’s case: One said the men were turned into “terrorists” by rogue investigators, while another pleaded with jurors to put the brakes on the FBI. Kessler said the group’s motive was to spark the “boogaloo,” …

Snapshots of 4 men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot
3 years ago

Snapshots of 4 men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After more than two days of testimony, jurors have unflattering snapshots of four men who are charged with planning to strike back against government by kidnapping Michigan Gov. Fitness centers, he said, were “essential for a lot of people’s mental health.” In August 2020, according to the government, Fox scouted Whitmer’s cottage for the first time …

Snapshots of 4 men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot
3 years ago

Snapshots of 4 men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After more than two days of testimony, jurors have unflattering snapshots of four men who are charged with planning to strike back against government by kidnapping Michigan Gov. Fitness centers, he said, were “essential for a lot of people’s mental health.” In August 2020, according to the government, Fox scouted Whitmer’s cottage for the first time …

Lawyers: FBI Lured Men For Michigan Gov. Whitmer Kidnap Plot
3 years ago

Lawyers: FBI Lured Men For Michigan Gov. Whitmer Kidnap Plot

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Attorneys for four men charged with planning to kidnap Michigan Gov. Investigators stepped in and stopped a “tragedy” when the men were planning to acquire a bomb to blow up a bridge near Whitmer’s home, Roth said. He also said jurors would see social media posts and hear secretly recorded conversations full of …

Jury Selection Starts In Michigan Governor Kidnap Plot
3 years ago

Jury Selection Starts In Michigan Governor Kidnap Plot

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With secret recordings and other evidence, prosecutors are pledging to show how four men were united behind a wild plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor in response to her aggressive steps to slow down COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic. Jury selection began Tuesday for a trial that could last more than …

Trial next for 4 accused in Michigan governor kidnap plot
3 years ago

Trial next for 4 accused in Michigan governor kidnap plot

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Were they gullible foul-mouthed men under the spell of undercover agents? Garbin, for example, said Fox, the alleged ringleader, wanted the men to chip in for a $4,000 explosive large enough to destroy a bridge near Whitmer’s home and distract police during a kidnapping. “It is not the end of the case for the defense, but …

Judge: No FBI entrapment for 3 in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot
3 years, 1 month ago

Judge: No FBI entrapment for 3 in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot

Associated Press  

A judge ruled Tuesday that three men charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar will face a tentatively scheduled pretrial examination in August and trial in September, Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson said during a video conference. “This ruling makes clear these defendants were not pressured by law enforcement into …

Judge limits inquiry into juror at Ghislaine Maxwell trial
3 years, 1 month ago

Judge limits inquiry into juror at Ghislaine Maxwell trial

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — An inquiry into possible juror misconduct at British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking trial will be limited to his answers to two responses on a lengthy questionnaire during jury selection to prevent an “intrusive fishing expedition” by defense lawyers, a judge said in an opinion released Friday. U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan said in the partially …

Jury selection moving swiftly in Breonna Taylor-related case
3 years, 1 month ago

Jury selection moving swiftly in Breonna Taylor-related case

Associated Press  

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jury selection is moving swiftly in the trial of a former Kentucky police officer involved in the botched drug raid that left Breonna Taylor dead, despite concerns that intense publicity would make it hard to seat a jury in Taylor’s hometown. Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has been charged with firing shots that went into an …

Jury selection moving swiftly in Breonna Taylor-related case
3 years, 1 month ago

Jury selection moving swiftly in Breonna Taylor-related case

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jury selection is moving swiftly in the trial …

Ghislaine Maxwell requests new trial after juror interviews
3 years, 2 months ago

Ghislaine Maxwell requests new trial after juror interviews

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Ghislaine Maxwell has formally requested a new trial, less than a month after her conviction on sex trafficking charges. In a Wednesday letter to U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan, Maxwell lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said the motion for a new trial had been filed under seal and requested that all submissions related to “Juror No. 50 remain …

Jury signals verdict not near at Ghislaine Maxwell trial
3 years, 3 months ago

Jury signals verdict not near at Ghislaine Maxwell trial

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The jury considering the fate of Ghislaine Maxwell at her sex trafficking trial finished a third full day of deliberations Monday with no sign that a verdict is near and no clear signal either that there is dissension in their ranks. Maxwell’s lawyers say she was a U.S. government scapegoat after Epstein killed himself in 2019 in …

Judge vets potential jurors for Ghislaine Maxwell trial
3 years, 4 months ago

Judge vets potential jurors for Ghislaine Maxwell trial

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Prospective jurors got their first glimpse of Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite charged with helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse girls and women, when a judge began questioning them individually Tuesday. Judge Alison J. Nathan’s questions in Manhattan federal court were aimed at seeing if potential jurors can stay impartial in the sordid case against Maxwell. Nice to …

Judge vets potential jurors for Ghislaine Maxwell trial
3 years, 4 months ago

Judge vets potential jurors for Ghislaine Maxwell trial

LA Times  

In this courtroom sketch, Ghislaine Maxwell, center, listens during a court hearing flanked by her attorneys, Bobbi Sternheim, left, and Jeffrey Pagliuca on Monday in New York. Prospective jurors got their first glimpse of Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite charged with helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse girls and women, when a judge began questioning them individually Tuesday. Judge Alison J. …

Judge won’t bar public from Ghislaine Maxwell jury selection
3 years, 5 months ago

Judge won’t bar public from Ghislaine Maxwell jury selection

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — A judge on Thursday rejected British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell’s bid to block the public and news media from jury selection in her New York City trial on charges she recruited teenage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse. U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan said the press and public will be allowed to view the selection …

Judge orders 3 to trial in plot to kidnap Michigan governor
4 years ago

Judge orders 3 to trial in plot to kidnap Michigan governor

Associated Press  

A Michigan judge on Monday ordered three men to stand trial in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. “My office is pleased to see this case move forward and to have the opportunity to hold these men accountable for their actions.” According to a court affidavit, Musico and Morrison are founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen, which authorities described …

Gretchen Whitmer: Court hearing resumes in plot to kidnap Michigan governor
4 years, 5 months ago

Gretchen Whitmer: Court hearing resumes in plot to kidnap Michigan governor

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A federal judge also plans to consider whether …

Judge threatens Harvey Weinstein with jail for texting in court
5 years, 2 months ago

Judge threatens Harvey Weinstein with jail for texting in court

Hindustan Times  

Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the judge threatened to revoke his bail and jail the former film producer after catching him using his cellphone just as jury selection got underway. Film producer Harvey Weinstein arrives to the New York Criminal Court after a break for his sexual assault trial in the Manhattan borough of …

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