Christian militia suspects charged in plot to spark revolution appear in Mich., Ind. courts

Christian militia suspects at Mich., Ind. hearings

DETROIT — Not guilty pleas have been entered in Michigan on behalf of eight of nine members of a Christian militia that prosecutors claim plotted to kill police officers and kick-start a violent revolution.

The eight were arraigned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit, including the alleged ringleader, 44-year-old David Brian Stone.

Stone was among nine members of the Hutaree militia arrested after a series of raids in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. A court document says an undercover FBI agent and a cooperating witness were part of the federal probe.

A hearing to determine if they’ll be released on bail began Wednesday for Stone and six others. One suspect’s bond hearing will be Thursday.

The ninth suspect was in court in Indiana, and will be arraigned later in Michigan.

Associated Press Writer Tom Coyne in Hammond, Ind. contributed to this report.

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

DETROIT (AP) — Not guilty pleas have been entered in Michigan on behalf of seven of nine members of a Christian militia that prosecutors claim plotted to kill police officers.

The seven were arraigned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit. The hearing was delayed while a lawyer for the alleged ringleader, 44-year-old David Brian Stone, traveled to the courthouse from Miami.

Stone was among nine members of the Hutaree militia arrested after a series of raids in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. A court document says an undercover FBI agent and a cooperating witness were part of the federal probe.

Hearings to determine if they’ll be released on bail were expected later Wednesday for Stone and six others. One suspect’s bond hearing will be Thursday.

The ninth suspect is in court in Indiana.