Michigan Court Reverses Conviction in Whitmer Kidnapping Case
A Michigan appeals court has thrown out the conviction of Joseph Morrison, a man previously found guilty for his involvement in the 2020 conspiracy to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
In a unanimous decision, the three-judge panel ruled that prosecutors improperly used Michigan’s terrorism law because kidnapping does not qualify as the type of violent felony required to support the charge. The ruling erased Morrison’s conviction for providing material support for terrorism and related offenses.
Morrison, 32, has been behind bars since 2022. He originally received a minimum sentence of 10 years, which was later reduced to six years.
Prosecutors Vow to Challenge the Decision
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel strongly criticized the ruling and announced plans to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.
According to prosecutors, Morrison was associated with the Wolverine Watchmen militia group and trained alongside Adam Fox, who was identified as one of the main figures behind the kidnapping conspiracy. Fox is serving a 16-year federal prison sentence after being convicted of conspiracy charges.
Authorities stressed that Morrison, Pete Musico, and Paul Bellar were not accused of directly participating in the planned abduction itself.
Investigation Produced Mixed Results
The FBI disrupted the plot in October 2020 after months of undercover work involving informants and agents embedded within the group. Governor Whitmer was never harmed, and 14 arrests were made during the operation.
The legal outcomes have varied significantly over the years. Several defendants were acquitted, while others pleaded guilty or were convicted. Morrison’s reversal adds another twist to the high-profile case.
Meanwhile, appeals filed by Musico and Bellar are expected to be reviewed later this year.
