Associated Press
This combo of eight file photos provided by the U.S. Marshals Service on Monday March 29, 2010 shows from top left, David Brian Stone Sr., 44, of Clayton, Mich,; David Brian Stone Jr. of Adrian, Mich,; Jacob Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio,; Tina Mae Stone and bottom row from left, Michael David Meeks, 40, of Manchester, Mich,; Kristopher T. Sickles, 27, of Sandusky, Ohio; Joshua John Clough, 28, of Blissfield, Mich.; and Thomas William Piatek, 46, of Whiting, Ind.Lawyers for eight people accused of being part of anti-government militia are opposing the use of an anonymous jury at an upcoming trial in Detroit.
The court file shows nothing official from U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts. But in a filing Monday, defense attorney Richard Helfrick quotes her as saying in an email that "jurors will enjoy anonymity."
Trial is set for Feb. 7 for eight people accused of belonging to a southern Michigan militia called Hutaree. The government claims they were scheming to kill a police officer, then attack the funeral. The defense says they're guilty of nothing but meaningless bluster.
"The decision to empanel an anonymous jury is a drastic measure, which should be undertaken only in limited and carefully delineated circumstances," Helfrick said. "An anonymous jury raises the specter that the defendant is a dangerous person from whom the jurors must be protected, thereby implicating the defendant's constitutional right to a presumption of innocence."...[Full Article]
