1st day ends with no verdict in Michigan Gov. Whitmer plot

By JOHN FLESHER and ED WHITE
Associated Press

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Jurors have gone home without reaching a verdict after the first day of deliberations in the trial of four men accused of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Federal Judge Robert Jonker suggested they watch the NCAA men’s basketball championship and return Tuesday fresh and “ready to engage.” Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are charged with conspiracy. Croft is from Delaware while the others are from Michigan. Jurors were told they can convict the men if they find there was a “mutual understanding” to abduct the Democratic governor, even if the goal wasn’t met. Defense lawyers argue that the group was manipulated by an informant who was taking direction from the FBI.