Judge: 9 militia members charged with plotting against US can go free while awaiting trial

Judge: Militia members can leave jail until trial

DETROIT — A judge says nine members of a Michigan-based militia accused of trying to plot war against the government can be released from jail while awaiting trial.

U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts on Monday overturned the April 2 decision of a federal magistrate judge. She says all can be released with electronic monitoring devices and other strict conditions.

The government says the nine members of a southern Michigan militia called Hutaree are radicals who planned to kill police officers and more. They were charged in March with conspiracy to commit sedition and attempted use of weapons of mass destruction.

Defense lawyers say it’s just a case of irrational, hateful speech.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

DETROIT (AP) — A judge says nine members of a Michigan-based militia accused of trying to plot war against the government can be released from jail on bond.

U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts on Monday overturned the April 2 decision of a federal magistrate judge. She says all can be released with electronic monitoring devices and other strict conditions.

The government says the nine members of a southern Michigan militia called Hutaree are radicals who planned to kill police officers and more. They were charged in March with conspiracy to commit sedition and attempted use of weapons of mass destruction.

Defense lawyers say it’s just a case of irrational, hateful speech.

Eds: APNewsNow. CORRECTS that while there are conditions to release, there is no bond.