Federal prosecutors dismiss charge against Hutaree member
Federal prosecutors have dismissed a gun charge against Hutaree militia member David Brian Stone Jr.
Prosecutors filed a motion Friday in federal court in Detroit that says "the ends of justice would best be served by this dismissal." It does not elaborate.
David Brian Stone Jr.
The charge alleged Stone Jr., who is the adopted son of Hutaree leader David Brian Stone, had a short-barreled rifle that wasn't registered.
Stone Jr., 21, of Adrian, is among 9 Hutaree members accused of discussing killing a police officer and attacking the funeral procession motorcade with homemade bombs.
He still faces 7 other counts, including seditious conspiracy and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.
Stone Jr. and three other Hutaree members are out on bond as they await trail. Five have been detained since their arrest a year-and-a-half ago.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts denied a motion for a bond hearing for defendants Michael Meeks, 41, of Bridgewater Township and Thomas Piatek, 48, of Whiting, Indiana.
In the order, Roberts wrote that continued pretrial detention does not violate Meeks' due process rights. She also wrote that the defendants hadn't introduced sufficient new evidence pertaining to the risk they pose to the community to warrant reconsidering bond.
The trial is scheduled for Feb. 7.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
nicole
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
This is the Obama administration at it's best. We were really in danger from the Hutaree. Good thing they wasted resources going after them. Come on Obama, go after the REAL terrorists. For example, all the drug cartels pouring over the southern border?
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Sep 26, 2011 : 6:28 a.m.
We have "free speech" but some people are unable to understand the difference between that and irresponsible speech. Big, big difference. Some people don't think other people who discuss violent illegal acts and, at the same time, are in possession of deadly weapons are a threat?? Just how the devil does THAT work? Every few years, we hear the same palaver about "patriots" being treated unfairly by law enforcement and the government / courts. For one thing: to most people, such "patriots" are delusional egoists - greatly overstating the wrongs while also greatly overstating their "abilities" to unilaterally "end these transgressions." Got news for ya: you're a little late - King George III died January 29, 1820. Now days, we've got this little thing called a Constitution, you should read it some time - provided you've got someone handy to help you properly understand it. The other point: militias are a tiny minority. Why is that, after decades of campaigning to become even a significant minority? This - is a democratic republic where the majority rules. Recently, we've gone temporarily off track and are letting anther tiny minority decide for us how things will be. Go after that tiny minority and show them some patriotism. Meanwhile - the majority says to "militia men": take a hike.
outdoor6709
Sun, Sep 25, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
We all know the government will railroad a conviction. The charges are a joke. This was a diversion at the time of the arrests. Weapons of mass destruction, you are kidding. I love my country but fear my government.
Roadman
Sun, Sep 25, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
This massive federal case is likely to end up like the Robert Miles trial - the government will get beaten and the defendants will look like martyrs of a political witchhunt.
ffej440
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 3:41 p.m.
Nothing serious never happened, except if you include entrapment by the Feds, and holding people without bail that pose no risk at all.
Ricebrnr
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
And also the is and has been lots of discussion on the charges filed. Also bail was going to be allowed early on but that judge was overturned. Thus you would be incorrect on those counts as well.
Ricebrnr
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 10:59 p.m.
While they should be .gov is not the accused in this article requiring the benefit of the doubt. Thus it is ok by the rules as enumerated.
johnnya2
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
I guess saying the federal government committed the ILLEGAL act of entrapment ffej440 needs to be censored as well. RIDICULOUS STUPIDITY OF A2.com. There is ZERO speculation of the CHARGES that have been filed and the reason for NO BAIL.
Ricebrnr
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
Umm AA.com...is the above not speculation that has yet to be proven, let alone brought to trial? Does it not violate the rules?
RJA
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
Still faces 7 other counts and out on bond?? I don't get it! Lets just hope nothing serious happens between now and the trial.
jcj
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
Get real! Any idea how many serious criminal are out on bond at any given time? Watch and see how many other charges are dropped before any of them go to trial.