Thursday 13 October 2022 10:04 PM Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot trial juror is accused of flirting with ... trends now
The trial for three men accused of assisting in the kidnapping plot of Governor Gretchen Whitmer was derailed Wednesday after the prosecution accused a juror of flirting with one of the defendants.
Assistant Attorney General Bill Rollstin complained that the juror - an unnamed 'young' woman - was smiling, nodding, and making eyes at 22-year-old defendant Paul Bellar.
Rollstin said Bellar was returning the flirtation, winking at the juror and even pumping his fists in affirmation at her.
Defense Attorney Andrew Kirkpatrick agreed that he had seen the two looking at each other, but insisted Bellar never gestured at her and had merely been cheering over some skittles had been offered as a birthday treat.
Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson said he too had noticed interactions between Bellar and the juror. He said he be 'paying close attention' to the pair.
Though Wilson noted he hadn't decided whether he would dismiss the juror, he said he would refrain from speaking with her about the accusations.
Beller, along with Pete Musico and Joe Morrison, is charged with providing material support for a terrorist act. The three men were part of the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, and are charged with assisting and organizing the foiled 2020 plot to kidnap the liberal Michigan governor over her restrictive COVID-19 mandates.
Prosecution complained that a juror was flirting with 22-year-old defendant Paul Bellar (above) by smiling, winking, and nodding at him
From left: Paul Bellar, Joe Morrison, and Pete Musico. The three men were part of the Wolverine
