Midwest militia members to go before court

CINCINNATI (AP) - A federal appeals court in Ohio will hear arguments on whether five members of a Michigan-based militia should stay in jail until they're tried on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.

Four of the nine indicted members of the group called Hutaree have been released from custody pending trial. A federal judge in Detroit has said the other five could go home with electronic monitors and other strict conditions.

Federal prosecutors have appealed that order to a three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

Prosecutors have said the defendants should remain in jail to ensure the public's safety.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit rebellion against the United States and other crimes.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.