by Becky Andrus | Oct 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
Media Contacts:
Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020
AG Nessel Charges 7 under Michigan’s Anti-Terrorism Act as Part of Massive Joint Law Enforcement Investigation
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel – in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Matthew Schneider, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Michigan State Police – announced today a joint law enforcement effort that, after months of work, culminated Wednesday night in the execution of a series of search warrants and arrest warrants – both in-state and out-of-state – related to acts of terrorism under Michigan state law.
The suspects, now under arrest, are alleged to have called on the groups’ members to identify the home addresses of law enforcement officers in order to target them; made threats of violence to instigate a civil war leading to societal collapse; and engaged in the planning and training for an operation to attack the state Capitol building and kidnap government officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“There has been a disturbing increase in anti-government rhetoric and the re-emergence of groups that embrace extremist ideologies,” Attorney General Nessel said. “These groups often seek to recruit new members by seizing on a moment of civil unrest and using it to advance their agenda of self-reliance and armed resistance. This is more than just political disagreement or passionate advocacy, some of these groups’ mission is simply to create chaos and inflict harm upon others.”
Through the efforts of more than 200 state and federal law enforcement officials – including experts from outside of Michigan – officers executed a series of search warrants and arrest warrants in more than a dozen cities around the state, including, Belleville, Cadillac, Canton, Charlotte, Clarkston, Grand Rapids, Luther, Munith, Orion Township, Ovid, Portage, Shelby Township and Waterford.
“Michigan law enforcement officers are united in our commitment to rooting out terrorism in any form and we will take swift action against anyone seeking to cause violence or harm in our state,” stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “Michigan residents can assist us in this mission by speaking up if you see suspicious activity or become aware of someone making threats. No tip is too small; don’t wait until it’s too late. Tips can be submitted confidentially 24/7 online at our website.”
In total, 19 state felony charges were filed by the Attorney General against seven individuals known to be members of the militia group, Wolverine Watchmen or associates of Wolverine Watchmen.
Six individuals were also charged by U.S. Attorney Birge with separate, federal felony charges as a result of the execution of the warrants.
The following individuals were charged by Attorney General Nessel as part of the joint law enforcement effort:
- Paul Bellar, 21, of Milford:
- Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine;
- Gang membership – a 20-year felony, which may be served as a consecutive sentence; and
- Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Shawn Fix, 38, of Belleville:
- Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
- Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Eric Molitor, 36, of Cadillac:
- Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
- Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Michael Null, 38, of Plainwell:
- Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
- Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- William Null, 38, of Shelbyville:
- Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
- Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Pete Musico, 42, and Joseph Morrison, 42, who live together in Munith:
- One count each of threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine;
- One count each of gang membership, a 20-year felony that may be served as a consecutive sentence;
- One count each of providing material support for terrorist acts; and
- One count each for carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
These charges are subject to change after a complete review of the evidence obtained through the warrants, and differ from those charges issued at the federal level.
Michael Null, William Null and Molitor were arraigned today before Antrim County Magistrate Jessica Allmand. A cash bond of $250,000 was set for William and Michael Null, while Molitor’s bond was send at $250,000, 10 percent. Their probable cause conferences are set for 1 p.m. Oct. 14, and their preliminary exams are scheduled for Oct. 21.
Musico and Morrison are expected to be arraigned at 2 p.m. in Jackson County. Fix is in custody, and his arraignment is pending in Antrim County.
“I’d like to personally thank the law enforcement officers who participated in yesterday’s arrests and those who have assisted with this investigation throughout the past several months,” Attorney General Nessel said. “Your heroic efforts have left the people of this state safer and the instruments of our government stronger. I know that I speak on behalf of Michiganders everywhere when I say we are forever grateful to you for your actions.”
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II Marched to Polls & Voted Early in Detroit to Highlight Voting Locations Across the City
DETROIT, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II cast his 2020 General Election ballot early to highlight 23 satellite voting locations and 30 ballot drop-boxes across Detroit.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist dropped his sealed absentee ballot at the City of Detroit Department of Elections office near Detroit’s Virginia Park to encourage voters and help spread awareness to thousands of newly eligible and young citizens in the city and across Michigan on how to take advantage of early voting options ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
“For every voter in Michigan, voting early is your right, and we want every Detroiter to know that no matter where you live or what your circumstances are, you have more options than ever before to make a difference in this election,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “With 23 satellite voting locations and 30 ballot drop-boxes standing by to receive your absentee ballot between now and Election Day, make your voting plan today, and make sure that your voice is heard.”
Starting now until Election Day, the Detroit satellite offices will be open:
- Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 6:00PM
- Saturday and Sunday from 9:00AM to 2:00PM
- Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 7:00AM to 8:00PM
Lt. Governor Gilchrist used MichiganVoting.org’s online “Plan Your Vote” tool, a web-based resource that allows voters to quickly select their preferred method of voting, and to build out a step-by-step plan for how they will cast their ballot on or before the Nov. 3 General Election.
By clicking on a streamlined series of questions on their voting preferences, voters can be directly connected to relevant information on options for voting early or on Election Day, voter registration, and local clerk’s office and drop box locations in their communities. The tool also has links that allow voters to check their current registration status, and to connect with trained election experts to answer any questions.
The coalition is currently operating an election protection hotline for voters with questions or concerns. The Election Protection hotline (866-OUR-VOTE/ 866-687-8683) is staffed by trained legal professionals from 9AM to 9PM Monday through Friday, and on weekends from 10AM to 4PM.
The coalition also continues to recruit poll workers, train volunteers for voter outreach and voting rights education. Applications to work the polls on Nov. 3, as well as more information on how to register and vote can be found at: www.MichiganVoting.org
Please see below for important dates in the “40 Days of Early Voting”:
- Now: Voters can print and submit a paper application for an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election.
- Now: The Secretary of State’s online application for an absentee ballot is available at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication.
- Now through Nov 2 at 4PM: Already registered voters can vote early at their city and township clerk’s office(s) for the Nov. 3 General Election.
- Oct. 19: Last day to register to vote online or through the mail for the Nov. 3 General Election. Get registered to vote asap and do it online at www.michiganvoting.org, if you can.
- Starting on Oct. 20 through 8PM on Election Day: you must register to vote in person at your city or township clerk’s office and provide proof of residency. Once you are registered, you can vote, all in one trip.
- Oct. 20: If you plan to submit your completed absentee ballot by mailing it to your clerk, put it in the mail by Oct. 20 to be sure it arrives on time. After Oct 20, submit your completed absentee voter ballot by dropping it off at your city or township clerk’s office or the ballot drop box provided by your clerk.
- Weekend of Oct. 31 – Nov. 1: Clerks’ offices must be open for at least eight hours for in-person absentee voting. Check with your local office to find out when they will be open. Find your clerk at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk
- Nov. 3 – Election Day: Polls are open from 7AM to 8PM local time.
For more information on mail-in ballots, same-day registration or ways to safely cast your vote before election day, visit www.MichiganVoting.org
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
Governor Whitmer to Sign Historic
Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Legislation
LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer will sign House Bills 4980-4985 and 5120 reforming Michigan’s criminal justice system tomorrow. She will be joined by bipartisan leaders from across the state to mark this important moment in Michigan’s history.
WHO: Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
Attorney General Dana Nessel
Representative Graham Filler
Representative David LaGrand
Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo
John Cooper, Executive Director of Safe & Just Michigan
WHAT: Clean Slate Bill Signing
WHEN: Monday, October 12th at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Please see RSVP Information below.
FEC ¾, DVB S2, 8PSK, 4:2:0 1080i
Satellite coordinates provided by WLNS
The satellite window will open at 12:50 PM.
RSVP DIRECTIONS FOR MEDIA
To RSVP and attend the press conference virtually, please email [email protected] with your first and last name and outlet.
RSVPs will be considered in the order they are received and space is limited.
To be considered, RSVPs must be received by 11:00 AM, TOMORROW
If your participation is confirmed you will receive a confirmation email from our office with further directions.
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
Top Five Games: By Sammy Taormina 
Stoney Creek at Southfield Arts and Tech: This is shaping up to be a very interesting game in Southfield. The Cougars are 4-0 for the third time in school history but they should be tested by the athleticism of the Warriors. Southfield Arts and Tech has had a ton of struggles lately and they earned their first win of the season by beating Oak Park 33-6. Stoney Creek won at Adams for the first time ever last week 23-10. The quarterback, running back, coaching, and coordinating matchup will be interesting. On one side you have Ryan Echout, Cameron Buford, Coach Nick Merlo, and defensive coordinator Gary Griffith. On the other side you have Isiah Marshall, RaeQuan Lee, Coach Tim Conley, and offensive coordinator Aaron Marshall. If it’s a pure power game advantage Cougars. If it’s a speed athletic game advantage Warriors. This is shaping up to be a very good game.
Ferndale at Rochester: The Falcons are in uncharted territory at 4-0 for the first time since 1993. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 1992 and both teams are 2-2 coming into the season series. Ferndale has done very well in the Blue but they have really struggled outside of the Blue. This has to change for Coach Eric Royal if his team wants to make that next step to noticeability. Even though this is a league game for the Eagles this should be their biggest test since getting blown out 49-8 by Allen Park two weeks ago. Rochester is rolling on all cylinders but the Eagles should provide them a challenge. The Falcons will have tougher challenges yet to come especially once the postseason rolls around.
Bloomfield Hills at Berkley: This will be the Bears biggest test taking on a very experienced quarterback in Tanner Slazinski and the Blackhawks. Slazinski might be Berkley’s best quarterback they have seen all season. Bloomfield Hills has scored 27 points in the last two weeks including falling 43-7 to Birmingham Brother Rice last week. The Bears have been rolling and had to survive Troy Athens 22-20 last week. It’s going to be a very interesting game to say the least.
North Farmington at Oxford: These are two 2-2 teams that have had up and down seasons. Both teams have good running backs in Trent Muir and Justin Whitehorn and good quarterbacks in Brady Carpenter and Jacob Bousamara. The Raiders beat Farmington 38-14 last week while the Wildcats were shutout 45-0 by West Bloomfield. This is shaping up to be an interesting matchup of coaching styles between Zach Line and Jon Herstein and the different styles of play each team has in Oxford.
Pontiac at Troy: These are two schools that have been struggling. The Colts have scored seven points in two weeks. Troy had been 2-0 but that changed when they were shutout 26-0 by Berkley two weeks ago but they can turn things around and quickly before their showdown with “That School Down the Road” (Troy Athens) next week. The Phoenix scored their first points of the season last week in a 66-2 blowout loss to Avondale. Pontiac is struggling bottom line but if they can get this game then maybe things could turn around.
by Becky Andrus | Oct 8, 2020 | Uncategorized
Gov. Whitmer announces initiatives to increase high-speed internet across Michigan
$12.7 million in Connecting Michigan Communities grants and launch of Connecting Michigan Taskforce will expand broadband infrastructure statewide
LANSING, Mich. — Creating fair and equal access for every Michigander to compete in the 21st century was at the core of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement today at the North American International Cyber Summit awarding $12.7 million to projects across the state to increase broadband internet access.
“In today’s society, the fastest way to create an even playing field for all is access to high-speed internet,” said Gov. Whitmer. “These broadband internet projects, along with additional infrastructure initiatives we are undertaking, will provide underserved communities in Michigan with high-speed internet service. This critical service is no longer a luxury but is a necessity that allows every Michigander to get a quality education and compete in the global economy.”
Residents who lack access to broadband or cannot afford a home broadband connection are unable to participate in telehealth, virtual learning, telework, civic engagement, and many other activities those who are connected are able to use every day. Today, approximately 1,243,339 Michigan households do not have a permanent fixed broadband connection at home resulting in $1.8B to $2.7B in potential economic benefit left unrealized among disconnected households.
The broadband projects announced today were selected through the Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grant program. The $12.7 million in awards are estimated to generate between $15.7 and $23.1 million in annual economic benefits to consumers. These projects will extend access to over 10,900 households, businesses, and community anchor institutions (CAI) in Michigan. All projects have committed to closing the internet access divide and provide digital literacy training materials to residents and businesses in their proposed service area, and work with local CAIs and foundations to host events to promote e-learning, job, and workforce training.
Recommendations for the second round of CMIC grant awards will be announced this month, providing another $5.3 million towards further infrastructure expansion across the state. Last week, Gov. Whitmer signed a budget that included an additional $14.3 million in grant funding for a third round of projects in 2021.
This announcement builds on the launch of the Connecting Michigan Taskforce (CMIT), with Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II helping to lead the efforts to strengthen and grow broadband infrastructure across Michigan. The Connecting Michigan Taskforce will advise and assist in improving coordination among stakeholders in addressing broadband and technology access and adoption issues in the state.
“The internet access divide is real and must be addressed to provide opportunity for all Michiganders to thrive,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “This taskforce will provide a coordinated state of Michigan approach to increasing broadband access and adoption in Michigan and finding the resources that are vital to providing affordable broadband access to households and businesses statewide.”
Access to broadband and high-speed internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more imperative than ever and building and strengthening broadband infrastructure throughout Michigan will be a driver of economic recovery efforts statewide. To support that effort, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has partnered with Connected Nation Michigan (CNMI) to facilitate the Connecting Michigan Taskforce and improve the access, adoption, and use of broadband and technology across Michigan, by:
- Coordinating with local, regional, and state agencies as well as the private sector to increase broadband access and adoption in Michigan;
- Recommending policy changes to improve broadband access and adoption in the state;
- Identifying funding sources and opportunities to encourage investors to provide affordable broadband access to households and businesses statewide; and
- Monitoring federal broadband-related activities for policies and funding opportunities that will impact broadband in Michigan.
The taskforce is comprised of members that represent state of Michigan agencies or units that relate closely to broadband, including MEDC, Department of Technology, Management & Budget, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan Public Service, Michigan Infrastructure Council and the Library of Michigan.
Combined, the CMIC Broadband grants and the Connecting Michigan Task Force will help more Michigan residents gain access to, and adoption of broadband and the economic benefits it will provide.
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 8, 2020 | Uncategorized
Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Into Law
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed the following bills into law, as well as vetoed House Bill 5443.
House Bill 5492 requires the Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB) to assume all responsibility for the procurement, development, and maintenance of information technology (IT) services for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) by October 1, 2022. The bill was sponsored by Representative Abdullah Hammoud, D-Dearborn.
House Bill 5493 requires the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office within DTMB to provide a quarterly report on projects involving information technology (IT) services. The bill was sponsored by Representative Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Township.
House Bill 5494 requires DTMB to develop a process for accounting for and monitoring project costs for each information technology (IT) projects over $250,000. The bill was sponsored by Representative Annette Glenn, R-Midland.
House Bill 5495 specifies that if the Auditor General selects any IT system development vendor contract or maintenance project for an audit, they must also review compliance with DTMB’s new accounting and monitoring process. The bill was sponsored by Representative Terry Sabo, D-Muskegon.
House Bill 5148 allows adoption attorneys to advertise their services in order to help consumers find reputable legal help related to adoption, via an amendment to the Probate Code. Attorney advertising must still comply with the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. The bill was sponsored by Representative Brenda Carter, D-Pontiac.
House Bill 5149 clarifies that adoption attorneys may be compensated for their services related to a court supervised adoption proceeding and certain temporary placements. The bill was sponsored by Representative Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township.
House Bill 5248 requires the Children’s Ombudsman to conduct a preliminary investigation, prior to a determination of the need for a full investigation, for all child fatality cases caused by or alleged to have been caused by child abuse or neglect. The bill was sponsored by Representative Matt Hall, R-Marshall.
House Bill 5249 requires the Children’s Ombudsman to publicly release his or her findings, recommendations, and agency responses not more than 30 days after the case closure date of a case investigated by the Office of Children’s Ombudsman (OCO). Any confidential information must be redacted. The bill was sponsored by Representative Andrea Schroeder, R-Independence Township.
House Bill 5443 was vetoed by the governor due to technical deficiencies. Nevertheless, Governor Whitmer remains supportive of the goals of the bills and hopes to work with the representatives to create a Kinship Caregiver Advisory Council. HB 5443 was sponsored by Representative Kathy Crawford, R-Novi.
House Bill 5444 was signed by the governor and would create the kinship caregiver navigator program. HB 5444 was sponsored by Representative Frank Liberati, D-Allen Park, and is tie-barred to HB 5443.
To view the veto letter, click the link below:
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