Trial Delayed For 8 Alleged Militia Members
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A September trial has been postponed for eight people accused of belonging to an anti-government Michigan militia.
Detroit federal Judge Victoria Roberts granted a request from defense attorneys Thursday to move the Sept. 13 trial by nearly five months to Feb. 7. Lawyers said there's not enough time to challenge evidencece or pore over fresh material turned over by prosecutors.
Eight people are charged with conspiring to commit rebellion against the government and other crimes.
A ninth defendant in the case, Jacob Ward, is undergoing court-ordered treatment to improve his mental health. Judge Robertson said Ward doesn't fully understand the charges against him but treatment could make a difference. It's possible he could be declared competent by the new trial date.
The photo above shows all nine accused: top left, David Brian Stone Sr., 44, of Clayton, Mich,; David Brian Stone Jr. of Adrian, Mich,; Jacob Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio; Tina Mae Stone and bottom row from left, Michael David Meeks, 40, of Manchester, Mich,; Kristopher T. Sickles, 27, of Sandusky, Ohio; Joshua John Clough, 28, of Blissfield, Mich.; and Thomas William Piatek, 46, of Whiting, Ind.
All have pleaded not guilty. Authorities say the nine belonged to a group called Hutaree, based in southern Michigan's Lenawee County.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
