Federal prosecutors appeal judge's decision for release of Hutaree members

5/5/2010

DETROIT — Federal prosecutors on Wednesday afternoon appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati Judge Victoria Roberts' decision releasing nine members of a Lenawee County militia group.

The one-page notice regarding the Hutaree group was filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

Judge Roberts on Monday said U.S. Attorneys didn't present enough evidence to merit keeping the defendants locked up on conspiracy and weapons of mass destruction charges until their trial.

She stayed the release and gave prosecutors until 5 p.m. Wednesday to tell her whether the U.S. Solicitor General will appeal her decision.

The defendants are being held in county jails in Michigan.