Appeals court: 9 Midwestern militia members must stay in jail while government appeals release

9 militia members to stay in jail for time being

DETROIT — An appeals court has ruled nine members of a Michigan militia must stay locked up while the government challenges an order that would release them until trial.

A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati said Monday it was continuing a temporary stay of a Detroit federal judge’s decision to free the Hutaree (hoo-TAH’-ray) members pending trial.

They’re charged with conspiracy to commit sedition, or rebellion, against the government.

The decision is at least a temporary victory for prosecutors, who claim the nine are a risk to the public.

U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts had ordered electronic monitors and set many strict conditions for their release from jail. The militia members have been in custody since late March.