Defense: Emails Show Militia Wasn't Real Threat
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Defense lawyers at the trial of seven Michigan-based militia members introduced an email by an FBI agent who talks about using an undercover agent to "nail them."
The email was revealed Thursday to try to show that authorities were attempting to trick members of the Hutaree and build a case against them. The email by agent Leslie Larsen refers to getting the militia to "bite on additional explosives and weapons activity."
Militia members are charged with conspiring to commit rebellion. The defense says they simply were "weekend warriors" who engaged in stupid, hateful speech, but nothing criminal.
Attorney William Swor introduced another email by agent Steve Haug, who told colleagues to read a speech by militia leader David Stone and hum the national anthem. He promised goose bumps. Haug says he was joking.
The U.S. Attorneys Office says that the Hutaree militia was planning to overthrow the federal government – first by taking out a police officer then attacking the other officers in the funeral procession.
The seven members on trail are facing life in prison if convicted of the most serious charges in the case.
The trial is expected to last several weeks.
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
