Jackson County Judge Denies Motions for New Trial, Resentencing from Three Convicted in Governor Whitmer Kidnapping Plot

LANSING – 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, who were convicted of multiple felonies in connection with the 2020 plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Judge Wilson also denied a motion for reconsideration by Pete Musico, whose request for a new trial and resentencing was previously denied in 2024. 

“Public officials must be able to carry out their duties without fearing for their lives,” Nessel said. “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 one count of Providing Material Support for Terrorism, one count of Gang Membership, and one count of Felony Firearm in the plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer. Judge Wilson has ordered the judgments of sentence for Bellar and Morrison to be amended to remove a provision concerning consecutive sentencing due to a technical error.