DETROIT — Defense lawyers in the trial of seven Michigan militia members want a mistrial declared, claiming they should have been given details about the past work of an FBI agent who infiltrated the group.
Attorneys found out only this week that agent Steve Haug was the handler for a New Jersey man who was paid by the FBI to collect information on white supremacists and hate groups, starting in 2003. The informant was a right-wing radio host and blogger who made threats against critics and public officials while on the FBI payroll.
Attorney William Swor told a judge Wednesday that prosecutors had an obligation to turn over material that could aid the defense. The government says there was no violation.
Militia members are accused of conspiring to commit rebellion.
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.