Sentences in Whitmer Plot

Three men convicted of supporting a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) were sentenced to multiple years in prison yesterday, the latest in a winding, high-profile legal case with origins stretching back to the early stages of the pandemic.

The trio—Joe Morrison, Pete Musico, and Paul Bellar—received sentences ranging from seven to 12 years in prison, but were not directly implicated in attempting to carry out the plot. Rather, they were convicted of providing material support to a terrorist act—primarily helping train and run drills for their militia group, known as the Wolverine Watchmen. The broader legal case against the group has faced a number of issues, including accusations that undercover agents unduly influenced the group into acting on their plans.

Adam Fox, the accused ringleader, faces a maximum punishment of life in prison and will be sentenced Dec. 27. See a timeline of the scheme here.