Man Who Plotted to Kidnap Michigan Governor Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

The man that had his hands in the almost-kidnapping of the Michigan Democratic governor was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, even though prosecutors asked for life in prison.

Federal Judge Robert Jonker explained why it wasn’t a life sentence.

“I’m not somebody who’s willing ever to give up on somebody. And that’s why I think, in particular, life sentences are very unusual. Because, by definition, you’re not giving people a chance to come back into the fold.”

Barry Croft Jr. was a part of the scheme to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer from her summer home, having explosives ready. Croft, from Delaware, traveled to Michigan to work with local militia to surveil Whitmer’s summer home in 2020. 

Croft talked about his “grenade launcher and a mounted machine gun to thwart law enforcement response to the scene as a part in the kidnapping plot,” according to CNN, which jurors heard at trial. 

Trial evidence also showed that Croft practiced “detonating an explosive-filled with shrapnel at a training event using human silhouettes made of paper.” 

Croft’s attorney asked the juror for a practicable sentence that made sense and acknowledged Croft was “a bit more susceptible to fringe ideas.” 

Jonker also sentenced another man as a part of the uncanny plot. 

Adam Fox was also sentenced to 16 years, and the leader along with Croft. Jonker explained Fox’s sentence as well. 

“There is need for public understanding of the cost of this kind of wrongdoing and certainly for specific deterrence as well. And there is impact on our overall governmental system, not just physical threat to our sitting governor. It’s the emotional baggage that now our governor will have to carry and that she’s written about in her report.” 

Pete Musico, Joseph Morrison, and Paul Bellar were all sentenced earlier this month. Musico and Bellar must serve a minimum of 12 years, while the group’s alleged “commander,” Morrison, must serve a minimum of 11 years.