SerpApi.Org
A Michigan appeals court on Monday overturned two more convictions related to the 2020 kidnapping plot of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, ruling that it was obligated to overturn the convictions based on precedent.
Pete Musico and Paul Bellar were previously convicted of providing material support for an act of terrorism in the plot, alongside Joseph Morrison, whose conviction was overturned by a different appeals panel last month.
The new appeals court ruled that it was obligated to apply that ruling to Musico and Bellar as well and overturn the convictions, according to the Associated Press.
None of the three men were accused of playing a direct role in the plot to kidnap the governor and the courts said kidnapping does not qualify as a "violent felony" under Michigan's anti-terrorism law.
Although none of the men had a direct role in the plot, they were part of a paramilitary group that trained with Adam Fox, who was convicted of leading the plot and is serving 16 years in prison for the crime. A total of nine people were convicted in relation to the plot.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has vowed to appeal the initial ruling, which would then apply to both decisions.
"The Court twists itself into a knot using legal and linguistic gymnastics in order to liberate dangerous criminals using convoluted definitions of the crimes upon which they were convicted," Nessel said.
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.
