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Judge says two allegedly involved in Whitmer kidnap plot must continue to wear GPS tethers

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Two brothers accused of plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer will have to keep wearing electronic tethers as they await trial.

A judge made the decision Wednesday. 

William and Michael Null are facing numerous charges in Antrim County, including providing material support for terrorist acts.

They're among more than a dozen men accused of plotting to kidnap the governorand storm the state capitol building in Lansing.

Since their release on bond, the Null brothers have worn GPS tethers to allow authorities to track their movements.

The prosecutor says the tether protects the governor and helps insure the nulls won’t be in contact with others involved in the alleged plot.

But defense attorneys say the tethers are a problem at the Null’s construction business.

The judge says the Null brothers must continue to wear the tethers, but he’s lifting their house arrest and nightly curfew.

A preliminary hearing for the Nulls, and two other men accused in connection with the alleged kidnapping plot, was scheduled for Wednesday. But it has been postponed due to concerns about rising COVID-19 rates. It has not yet been rescheduled.

A different state court in Jackson County has bound over three other defendants for trial.

Five other defendants are facing federal charges. Another defendant has reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors. 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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