Mastermind behind Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot joins co-conspirator with a long prison sentence

(Image credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

published 28 December 2022

The convicted ringleader behind the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was sentenced on Wednesday to more than 19 years in prison, just one day after one of his co-conspirators received a similar sentence.

Barry Croft Jr., 47, was convicted this past August of conspiracy by a federal jury after it was found that he played a major role in the failed ploy to kidnap the governor, and had radicalized others to join him. Croft, the final defendant to be sentenced in relation to the plot, was also found guilty of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. The plot was reportedly set to take place in 2020, and would involve kidnapping Whitmer from her summer home in order to try and start a national rebellion.

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.

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