GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Three men acquitted of charges stemming from the alleged 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer are now taking government officials to court, accusing investigators and prosecutors of violating their civil rights.

Null Brothers Allege They Were Framed

Twin brothers Michael and William Null filed a federal lawsuit last week against about 60 defendants, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan State Police, and FBI agents. The suit alleges authorities fabricated evidence, made false statements and caused the brothers to be arrested and prosecuted without probable cause.

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The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, damages and attorney fees.

The brothers allege the case was built in part through an FBI agent and a paid confidential informant and that the prosecution cost them wages, damaged their reputations and hurt their business.

Acquitted in 2023

Michael and William Null, along with Eric Molitor, were acquitted by an Antrim County jury in September 2023 of providing material support for a terrorist act and a weapons offense.

Molitor has also filed a lawsuit alleging civil-rights violations related to his prosecution.

Fourteen men were charged in the combined state and federal cases tied to the alleged kidnapping plot. Nine were convicted or pleaded guilty, while five were acquitted. The convictions of three of the nine – Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar – were later vacated by the Michigan Court of Appeals.