5 Men Accused In Plot Against Whitmer Will Stand Trial: Judge

MICHIGAN — Five people accused in a kidnapping plot against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will stand trial, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Berens ruled Friday that there was enough evidence supporting federal conspiracy charges against the men — Brandon Caserta, Daniel Harris, Adam Fox, Kaleb Franks and Ty Garbin — The Detroit News reported.

A sixth person accused in the federal case, Barry Croft of Delaware, is expected to have a similar hearing. He was recently transported to Michigan.

Friday's hearing was a continuation of a preliminary hearing that began on Tuesday, when it was also ruled that Caserta, Franks and Harris would remain jailed ahead of their trial. A decision regarding Fox and Garbin is expected Friday.

The preliminary hearing began Tuesday, revealing new details about the case through the testimony of FBI agents involved.

The men accused in a plot to kidnap Whitmer also discussed "taking out" Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, according to testimony.

Richard Trask, a special agent with the FBI, said Northam, a Democrat, had also been discussed by a group of men accused of plotting to kidnap and potentially murder Whitmer, the Associated Press reported.

Defense attorneys for the accused argued their clients were "big talkers" and did not intend to follow through with their plans, The Associated Press reported.

Seven other people connected to a Michigan militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen also were accused in a plot against Whitmer last week.

A Wisconsin man arrested Thursday became the eighth person accused by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in that case.

Reporting and information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.