Paul Bellar
Coverage of Paul Bellar in the Nexus archive.
- Two additional convictions overturned for those involved in Whitmer kidnapping plot, AG will appeal
Two co-defendants in the Whitmer kidnapping plot, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar, had their convictions overturned by the Michigan Court of Appeals, citing the same legal reasoning as a prior ruling in Joseph Morrison's case. The court determined that kidnapping alone, without explicit use of force, cannot form the basis for terrorism-related charges under Michigan law. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced plans to appeal the decision.
- Court throws out conviction of man accused of secondary role in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot
A Michigan appeals court overturned the conviction of Joe Morrison for providing material support in a 2020 plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, ruling kidnapping does not qualify as a violent felony under state terrorism law. Morrison, who has served prison time since 2022, and two others were part of a paramilitary group linked to Adam Fox, a key figure in the case. The decision has sparked criticism from Michigan’s attorney general, who plans to appeal.