Great Lakes Wire

Yesterday, Judge Thomas Wilson of the 4th Circuit Court in Jackson County denied motions for a new trial and resentencing by Paul Bellar and Joseph Morrison. Both were convicted of multiple felonies related to the 2020 plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced this decision. Judge Wilson also denied a motion for reconsideration by Pete Musico, whose previous request for a new trial and resentencing was denied in 2024.

"Public officials must be able to carry out their duties without fearing for their lives," said Nessel. "Our Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit works tirelessly to hold those who threaten our democracy accountable. I am pleased these motions were denied, ensuring those who seek to endanger public officials and undermine our democratic institutions face consequences for their actions. No one is above the law, and my office will continue to prosecute acts of domestic terrorism, irrespective of presidential pardons or political communications. We will not waver in our commitment to protecting the people of Michigan."

Bellar, Morrison, and Musico were convicted in 2022 in the Jackson County Circuit Court on charges including Providing Material Support for Terrorism, Gang Membership, and Felony Firearm related to the kidnapping plot against Governor Whitmer. Judge Wilson has ordered amendments to the judgments of sentence for Bellar and Morrison to remove a provision concerning consecutive sentencing due to a technical error.