Michigan Court Reverses Whitmer Plot Convictions | Toledo News

Michigan’s top court just threw out the convictions of two men accused in the 2020 plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer — Pete Musico and Paul Bellar — citing a legal twist that reclassifies kidnapping as not a violent felony under Michigan’s terrorism statute. This follows a similar ruling earlier this summer overturning the conviction of their co-defendant, Joseph Morrison. Attorney General Dana Nessel is furious, calling the decision “linguistic gymnastics” and vowing to appeal — again — arguing these men were clearly part of a violent conspiracy. The state contends the law must stand to protect public safety, even though the defendants didn’t raise this specific legal point in their appeals — the court was still bound by the Morrison precedent. The fight is far from over. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1ad05d2b515bad80