4/1/22 - Closing Arguements In Kidnapping Plot Trial

Closing arguments take place in Grand Rapids today for the men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Whitmer.

(AP) - Jurors will hear closing arguments Friday in the trial of four men accused of a brazen conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

It’s a case built with informants, undercover agents, secret recordings and two people who pleaded guilty and cooperated.

Only one defendant, Daniel Harris, chose to testify in his own defense. He denied any crime.

 Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr. and Brandon Caserta declined to testify, and defense attorneys called only a few witnesses. Defense lawyers insist the men were under the spell of informants and agents who got them to say and do violent, provocative things.  

The men were arrested in October 2020 amid talk of raising $4,000 for an explosive that could blow up a bridge and stymie police after a kidnapping, according to trial evidence. Fox twice traveled to northern Michigan to scout the area.

Two more men, Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks, pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators. Garbin last week said the group acted willingly and hoped to strike before the election, cause chaos and prevent Joe Biden from winning the presidency.