DETROIT — Adam Fox does not deserve a life sentence for plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, his lawyer said late Friday while faulting federal prosecutors for comparing Fox to Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and exaggerating the Potterville man's role.
The life sentence sought by prosecutors and guidelines that call for a stiff prison term are not appropriate because, despite tough talk recorded by FBI informants, the plotters did not use explosives and there was no attempt to kidnap Whitmer, defense lawyer Christopher Gibbons wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court in Grand Rapids.
The memo was filed four days after prosecutors said a life sentence would be sufficient for trying to "light the fire of a second revolution" after being upset about the governor's handling of pandemic restrictions. Fox, 39, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 27 while Delaware truck driver Barry Croft will be sentenced Dec. 28 for his role in the plot.
