Hutaree militia member pleads guilty

DETROIT, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. prosecutors Monday locked up the first guilty plea in the case against Michigan Hutaree militia members.

Nine Hutaree members are charged with plotting the overthrow of the U.S. government.

The Detroit Free Press said Joshua John Clough, 29, formerly of Blissfield Township, pleaded guilty to the use of a firearm in a crime of violence. Clough faces up to five years in prison.

The remaining eight defendants are scheduled to go to trial Feb. 7, the newspaper said

Clough, as part of his plea agreement, admitted he was a member of the anti-government militia that advocated and prepared for violent attacks on law enforcement.

Clough also admitted Hutaree's goals included the use of explosive bombs against local, state and federal law enforcement officers and their vehicles, the Free Press said. He said Hutaree members conducted military-style training in Lenawee County, where they engaged in weapon proficiency drills, patrolling and reconnaissance exercises and demonstrations on how to assemble and use explosives, the newspaper said.

He used a firearm during the training, prosecutors said.