Three of nine members of a Midwest militia accused of conspiring to overthrow the government were released from jail Tuesday until trial after prosecutors suddenly backed off an intense effort to keep the entire group behind bars.
Video shows statements from David Stone, Jr.’s attorney, Tina Stone’s attorney, Jacob Ward’s attorney to the effect that the defendants are pleased to be out of jail.
Prosecutors initially wanted all nine held without bond pending trial on charges they plotted to kill police officers and spark an uprising against the government. Prosecutors suddenly changed their efforts with Wednesday’s release of Tina Stone, 44, of Clayton; David Stone Jr., 19, of Adrian; and Jacob Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio.
Five others are expected to remain jailed pending an appeal by prosecutors to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals of an order to release them from U.S. District Judge Victoria A. Roberts. One other is expected to be released today.