The Michigan Court of Appeals on Tuesday overturned the conviction of Joseph Morrison, who was found guilty in 2022 of providing material support for a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The court ruled that kidnapping does not qualify as a "violent felony" under Michigan's anti-terrorism law, reversing Morrison's conviction in a 3-0 decision. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the ruling, calling it "completely and irredeemably nonsensical" and vowing to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Background and Context
Morrison, along with Pete Musico and Paul Bellar, were accused of holding gun drills in Jackson County with Adam Fox, a key figure in the plot. Fox and co-leader Barry Croft Jr. were convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison. The overall investigation resulted in 14 arrests in October 2020, with five men acquitted at trial. Morrison was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years, later reduced to six.
Legal and Political Reactions
Nessel argued that the court's decision ignored the violent nature of the alleged plot, stating that evidence proved a "considered and coordinated plan" to kidnap and potentially murder Whitmer. Lawyers for Musico and Bellar plan to seek the overturning of their convictions in July before a different appeals court panel.
Broader Implications
The case has produced mixed results for prosecutors, with nine convictions and five acquittals. The FBI and undercover informants played a significant role in dismantling the plot, which never resulted in physical harm to Whitmer. The appeals court's ruling raises questions about the application of Michigan's terrorism law and the definition of violent felonies.