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Nessel Charges 7 for Allegedly Targeting Law Enforcement Officers and Acts of Terrorism

Lansing, MI — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel – in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Matthew Schneider, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Michigan State Police – announced today a joint law enforcement effort that, after months of work, culminated Wednesday night in the execution of a series of search warrants and arrest warrants – both in-state and out-of-state – related to acts of terrorism under Michigan state law.

The suspects, now under arrest, are alleged to have called on the groups’ members to identify the home addresses of law enforcement officers in order to target them; made threats of violence to instigate a civil war leading to societal collapse; and engaged in the planning and training for an operation to attack the state Capitol building and kidnap government officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“There has been a disturbing increase in anti-government rhetoric and the re-emergence of groups that embrace extremist ideologies,” Attorney General Nessel said. “These groups often seek to recruit new members by seizing on a moment of civil unrest and using it to advance their agenda of self-reliance and armed resistance. This is more than just political disagreement or passionate advocacy, some of these groups’ mission is simply to create chaos and inflict harm upon others.”

Through the efforts of more than 200 state and federal law enforcement officials  – including experts from outside of Michigan – officers executed a series of search warrants and arrest warrants in more than a dozen cities around the state, including, Belleville, Cadillac, Canton, Charlotte, Clarkston, Grand Rapids, Luther, Munith, Orion Township, Ovid, Portage, Shelby Township and Waterford.

“Michigan law enforcement officers are united in our commitment to rooting out terrorism in any form and we will take swift action against anyone seeking to cause violence or harm in our state,” stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “Michigan residents can assist us in this mission by speaking up if you see suspicious activity or become aware of someone making threats. No tip is too small; don’t wait until it’s too late. Tips can be submitted confidentially 24/7 online at our website.”

In total, 19 state felony charges were filed by the Attorney General against seven individuals known to be members of the militia group, Wolverine Watchmen or associates of Wolverine Watchmen.

Six individuals were also charged by U.S. Attorney Birge with separate, federal felony charges as a result of the execution of the warrants.

The following individuals were charged by Attorney General Nessel as part of the joint law enforcement effort:

  • Paul Bellar, 21, of Milford:
    • Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine;
    • Gang membership – a 20-year felony, which may be served as a consecutive sentence; and
    • Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
  • Shawn Fix, 38, of Belleville:
    • Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
    • Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
  • Eric Molitor, 36, of Cadillac:
    • Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
    • Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
  • Michael Null, 38, of Plainwell:
    • Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
    • Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
  • William Null, 38, of Shelbyville:
    • Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
    • Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
  • Pete Musico, 42, and Joseph Morrison, 26, who live together in Munith:
    • One count each of threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine;
    • One count each of gang membership, a 20-year felony that may be served as a consecutive sentence;
    • One count each of providing material support for terrorist acts; and
    • One count each for carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
These charges are subject to change after a complete review of the evidence obtained through the warrants, and differ from those charges issued at the federal level.

Michael Null, William Null and Molitor were arraigned today before Antrim County Magistrate Jessica Allmand. A cash bond of $250,000 was set for William and Michael Null, while Molitor’s bond was send at $250,000, 10 percent. Their probable cause conferences are set for 1 p.m. Oct. 14, and their preliminary exams are scheduled for Oct. 21.

Musico and Morrison are expected to be arraigned at 2 p.m. in Jackson County. Fix is in custody, and his arraignment is pending in Antrim County.

“I’d like to personally thank the law enforcement officers who participated in yesterday’s arrests and those who have assisted with this investigation throughout the past several months,” Attorney General Nessel said. “Your heroic efforts have left the people of this state safer and the instruments of our government stronger. I know that I speak on behalf of Michiganders everywhere when I say we are forever grateful to you for your actions.”

Submitted by the Attorney General’s office

Blame Game Continues as Supreme Court Ruling Affects EOs

Citing the potential loss of unemployment benefits for 830,000 residents, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to clarify the ruling that struck down the numerous 2020 Executive Orders issued after April 30. Politics are at play as the Governor blames the Republicans in the legislature for not doing their job, while the Republicans accuse Whitmer of abuse of power and spent over half a million public dollars to prove it in court.

This week, Whitmer said, “The Supreme Court has spoken, and while I vehemently disagree with their ruling, I’m ready to work across the aisle with Republicans in the legislature where we can find common ground to slow the spread of the virus and rebuild our economy. It’s time for Republicans in the Legislature to get to work and start showing that they are taking this crisis seriously. They can start by canceling their October recess and getting back to work. Let’s work together and get this done.” 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is picking up the slack in reinstating the mask, crowd size, social distancing, and other mandates. Director Robert Gordon said, “We will use every statutory tool available to protect our state employees and the residents we serve. We also need Michiganders to do their part by wearing a mask, maintaining six feet of physical distancing, washing hands frequently, and getting their flu vaccine. We will get through this together.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Efforts Wind Down to Bring Trader Joe’s to the Blue Water Area

The quest to get a Trader Joe’s in the Blue Water Area may be coming to an end. Organizer Carolyn Middleton spearheaded the effort back in 2014 and is ready to call it quits.

The emergence of new loft housing and the renaissance of the downtown commercial and cultural scene, along with the proximity to the bus station and boaters, prompted Middleton, a real estate agent, to try to persuade Trader Joe’s, a neighborhood grocery store chain that is known for affordable gourmet and unique offerings to come to Port Huron.

For six years, Middleton recruited fellow community members to join her in petitioning the franchise, but never got more than an automated response from Trader Joe’s. Middleton has over 4000 people still following her Facebook page, “Bring Trader Joe’s to the Blue Water Area”, but thinks it’s time to accept that it isn’t happening.

In 2018, the owners of Countrystyle Marketplace in Fort Gratiot announced their intention to create a downtown grocery store, and their plans for the location are in progress. Meanwhile, the newly renovated Aldi in Fort Gratiot does offer some products similar to Trader Joe’s. The nearest Trader Joe’s stores are in Rochester Hills, Grosse Pointe, and Royal Oak.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Karl the Barber Demands Charges Be Dropped

Remember Karl the Barber? He is the Owosso barber who stayed open during the COVID-19 shutdown and had criminal charges filed against him for violating executive orders that closed down hair salons.

The dust had no chance to settle on the Michigan Supreme Court ruling that struck down the validity of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s many Executive Orders when Karl Manke’s lawyer demanded that all charges be dropped against Mr. Manke.

In a press release, David A. Kallman, Manke’s lawyer, referenced several of his clients, saying, “All administrative actions and criminal charges predicated on the EOs pending against Mr. Manke must be dismissed. Our client Friske Orchards Farm Market is also requesting the immediate cessation of all threatened administrative actions by state agencies against their business. All of our clients who operate gyms and physical fitness centers, such as Crunch Fitness, are requesting that all actions against them be dismissed immediately.”

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel has said she will not enforce the Executive Orders anymore, but the validity of pending charges levied before the Supreme Court ruling remains to be seen.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

October is Agritourism Month

It is Agritourism Month in Michigan. Trips to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch add to the economy and have social and cultural benefits, but this year, protecting farmers and other visitors is a top priority.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell addressed promoting agritourism in the midst of a pandemic, saying, “Agritourism opportunities are available in every county in our state. Our operators are implementing key safety measures to assure the well-being of their customers. We also need visitors to help the agriculture community by following on-farm safety protocols, wearing masks, social distancing whenever possible, washing their hands often, and staying home if they are not feeling well.” 

Agritourism includes farmers markets, on-farm markets, wineries, roadside produce stands, on-farm weddings and events, corn mazes and others. October is the peak time for agritourism as it is harvest time and the time when Michiganders traditionally visit local farms.

In the Blue Water Area, Simpson Family Farm, MacCallum’s Orchard, and CornFun Corn Maze Adventure & Pumpkin Patch are listed on the state’s michiganfarmfun.com website.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grand River Open – Majestic Lot Still Closed

Grand River Avenue is back open after roof work was completed by a local contractor. The closure of the road was unrelated to the work being done by DTE on the Majestic Lot.

The Majestic Parking Lot, a popular parking lot for those shopping at Downtown businesses, will continue to be closed until December 2020. The lot is being reconstructed as a result of infrastructure work being done by DTE, and the City of Port Huron is working closely with DTE to keep up with its progress.

Parking is available in the city owned McMorran lots that surround the Blue Water Transit Center. Those large parking lots usually charge patrons after the first two hours, but they will remain open and free to the public during construction. The walk from the McMorran lots to businesses on Main Street is about 2 city blocks .

The City of Port Huron has also established convenience spots along Huron Avenue for customers who are making a quick trip or pick up from a downtown businesses. Those select spots are designated for loading and unloading or trips of 15 minutes or less.

Questions or concerns about the project can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 810-984-9730.