The trial of seven Hutaree militia members arrested for allegedly plotting to launch an insurrection against the government begins in Detroit.
The decision is an embarrassment for the government, which secretly planted an informant and an FBI agent inside the Hutaree militia four years ago and claimed members were armed for war in rural southern Michigan.
U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts granted requests for acquittal on the most serious charges: conspiring to commit sedition, or rebellion, against the U.S. and conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction. Other weapons crimes tied to the alleged conspiracies also were dismissed.
"There are very few judges that have this kind of courage," defense lawyer Michael Rataj said.
The trial, which began Feb. 13, will resume this week with only a few gun charges remaining against militia leader David Stone and son Joshua Stone, both from Lenawee County, Mich.
"The court is aware that protected speech and mere words can be sufficient to show a conspiracy. In this case, however, they do not rise to that level," the judge said.
Comment: Mixed nuts anyone?