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Judge Robert J. Jonker
Drama in the Whitmer kidnap trial goes beyond the Grand Rapids federal courtroom.
FBI agents are investigating threats against the presiding judge, Robert Jonker, and defense lawyers Josh Blanchard and Christopher Gibbons, who represent two of the accused plot leaders, Robert Snell of The Detroit News reports, citing two sources familiar with the investigation.
The investigation comes as agents raided a Hazel Park home Friday. There have been no arrests since the raid.
"FBI Detroit will work closely with other FBI field offices and with our law enforcement partners across the country to identify the source of any threat made to anyone involved with the ongoing prosecution in Grand Rapids," FBI spokeswoman Mara Schneider wrote in a text to The News.
"Individuals found responsible for making threats in violation of state and/or federal law will be referred for prosecution in the appropriate jurisdiction."
Related:
Whitmer Kidnap Case Lawyer Tries a 'Just Joking' Defense; 'I Didn't Laugh,' FBI Agent Says, March 29
