Traverse City Record-Eagle

Michigan

MORE ON THE MILITIA CASE

February 15, 2012

Agent: Militia informant got about $31K

FROM WIRE REPORTS ----

DETROIT — An undercover informant was paid about $31,000 in cash for his critical role in an investigation that led to charges against members of a Midwest militia accused of plotting rebellion against the U.S., an FBI agent testified Tuesday.

Agent Leslie Larsen was the first witness at the weeks-long trial of seven members of a southern Michigan militia called Hutaree. She answered a series of friendly questions from a federal prosecutor, mostly describing the timeline of the 2008-10 investigation and certain milestones in the case.

Larsen said informant Dan Murray secretly recorded conversations with the militia while he trained or attended meetings with members, especially leader David Stone. Murray received $25,000 for his time — 300 to 400 hours — and $5,600 for expenses, such as his cellphone, tent, mileage and sleeping bags.

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