3 Convicted Of Aiding Plot To Kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer

JACKSON, MI — Three men were found guilty Wednesday on charges connected to an attempted 2020 kidnapping of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, according to reports.

Paul Bellar, Joseph Morrison and Pete Musico received a guilty verdict after a three-week trial and five hours of jury deliberation for supporting a terrorist, gang membership and a weapons charge, The Detroit News reported.

The trio assisted leadership behind a plan to kidnap Whitmer, according to the News. The plot was infiltrated by informants and agents, resulting in the arrest of 14 people, the Associated Press reported.

Bellar, Morrison and Musico were all members of the Wolverine Watchmen militia, according to the AP, and provided weapons training and logistical assistance to the would-be kidnappers, primarily in the rural Jackson County community of Munith, M Live reported.

Morrison recently tested positive for the coronavirus and Musico had symptoms of the illness, so neither attended court in-person Wednesday, according to the News.

All three face as many as 22 years behind bars, the News reported. They will remain in jail until they are sentenced Dec. 15, according to the AP.

Adam Fox and Barry Croft, the ringleaders behind Whitmer’s failed kidnapping, were previously convicted of charges related to the plot, the News reported.