The Department of Justice has assigned a new attorney to review the sentencing outcomes for two men who were found guilty in connection with the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This decision has raised fresh questions about whether the federal government is planning any change in strategy, particularly after years of legal battles and mixed verdicts in what became one of the most high-profile domestic terrorism cases in recent U.S. history.
Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox were both sentenced to long prison terms after being found guilty of conspiring to kidnap the governor in response to what they believed were unfair COVID-19 restrictions. Fox was sentenced to 16 years, while Croft received 19.5 years. But a new twist came recently when a new attorney was assigned to represent the DOJ in reviewing the appeal arguments raised by the two defendants.
The original sentencing was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler, who led much of the prosecution during the trial. However, in this latest development, Kessler has been replaced by a new DOJ attorney named Arun G. Rao, who is currently serving in the DOJ’s Consumer Protection Branch. Though not previously involved in this case, Rao is now listed as the attorney of record for the government’s side in this particular review.
While the DOJ hasn’t officially commented on why a new attorney was appointed at this stage, the move is seen as unusual. Legal experts suggest it could be due to internal staffing shifts, or it might indicate that the federal government wants to ensure a fresh legal perspective on a case that has become both politically sensitive and legally complex.
The Whitmer kidnapping plot initially grabbed national headlines in 2020 after the FBI revealed that a group of men had planned to abduct the Michigan governor from her vacation home. According to investigators, they wanted to put her on trial for “tyranny” over state-imposed COVID-19 restrictions. The case was fueled by online discussions, paramilitary-style training sessions, and secret recordings captured by informants.
In total, over a dozen men were arrested in the plot. Several were tried in federal court, while others were prosecuted under Michigan state law. Some pleaded guilty and cooperated with authorities. Others were acquitted after arguing they had been manipulated by undercover agents. These mixed outcomes have continued to fuel debates over entrapment and the use of informants in domestic terror investigations.
Fox and Croft were seen as the main ringleaders of the plot. Their convictions were secured through undercover recordings, testimony from former allies, and evidence of them scouting Whitmer’s vacation home. During the trial, the defense argued that the men had been all talk and lacked the actual means or real plan to carry out the kidnapping. However, the jury disagreed, and both men were sentenced in late 2022.
Now, their legal teams are pushing for sentence reductions or even new trials, arguing that certain evidence may have been presented unfairly or that the sentences were overly harsh compared to others involved. The new DOJ attorney’s review could signal how seriously the government is taking those arguments.
Governor Whitmer has largely avoided commenting on the ongoing legal process but has previously said that the plot against her was a clear example of political extremism turning into real threats. She has also voiced concerns about the broader climate of political violence and rising threats to public officials, especially women in leadership.
For the families of the convicted men, the review brings a mix of hope and anxiety. Some believe their loved ones were swept up in something larger than themselves and unfairly targeted. Others have accepted the outcome and hope to move on. But this unexpected DOJ shake-up suggests the case is far from closed.
Legal analysts say it’s too early to predict what impact this new review might have. In some cases, reviews by newly appointed DOJ attorneys can lead to amended arguments, requests for sentence reconsideration, or even settlements outside of court. But it can also simply be a procedural move without any major implications.
What’s clear is that the Whitmer kidnapping case continues to evolve, even years after the plot was foiled. For many, it remains a warning about how fringe ideologies and anger against the government can spiral into dangerous actions. And with a new attorney now involved, the legal story behind that warning may still have a few more chapters left.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
