An FBI agent who helped thwart a kidnap plot against Governor Whitmer was arrested for domestic violence. FBI Special Agent Richard Trask, 39, of Kalamazoo, was charged Monday with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, less than murder following a domestic incident with his wife.
He was released on $10,000 personal recognizance bond following an arraignment in 8th District Court in Kalamazoo and faces a charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
His arrest comes at a critical juncture in the criminal case against five men charged in federal court with plotting to kidnap Whitmer. Defense lawyers last week leveled a broad attack on the foundation of the high-profile case and suggested a second FBI agent was trying to sabotage defense teams.
Trask, 39, has worked for the FBI since 2011 and served as the FBI’s public face in the Whitmer case, testifying in federal court about the investigation.
FBI spokeswoman Mara Schneider said the bureau is cooperating with the prosecutor’s office. Trask’s job status was unclear Monday.
“In accordance with FBI policy, the incident is subject to internal review, and I cannot comment further at this time,” she said in a statement.
That review would include an investigation by FBI internal affairs, Arena said.
In addition to working as an agent, Trask opened a gym on his rural property in Oshtemo Township near Kalamazoo.
Trask was arrested one week after defense lawyers provided the clearest view of how they plan to attack the kidnapping plot case.
Trask has testified in state and federal courts in cases tied to an alleged scheme to kidnap Whitmer in retaliation for orders last year meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus. One man has pleaded guilty and roughly a dozen others are awaiting trial.
Trask doesn’t sound like a very good witness.
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The kidnap case was cooked. There are 16 FBI informants who entrapped the 6 defendants. This is the 2nd FBI agent arrested for crimes. IS could have easily inserted those details here.
The first sentence is missing at least one word. Why would an agent help to thwart a kidnap plot the FBI created? Do law abiding, ethical people abuse their wife? The agent seems to be a general abuser.
I suspect the constant delay tactics are not what the DOJ is telling everyone. Make the situation intolerable enough so most everyone will Eventually plead out. In that way there will be no Appellate process to adjudicate. Chances are the majority of these cases would never pass the smell test if it went to SCOTUS. There’s a reason the “paraders” / “tourists” are singled out first. In no way do they want those who are guilty of violence, destruction of property, etc., to be in the forefront. They want the problematic cases out of the way first. In this way the DOJ / FBI can keep up there “domestic terrorism” charade going forward. There needs to be only one who is sentenced for parading to reach SCOTUS with the possibility of bringing the entire house of cards falling flat on its face . No doubt the chances of that are pretty slim.
My question always is, “How much did the FBI have to do in the creation of the crime.” When you spend millions of dollars on a nothing burger, you have to eventually have something to show for your efforts even if it’s just a dead cow in the field. Was this a real plot or a bunch of guys drinking too many beers and dreaming about the possibility. Why is it OK for Madonna to dream about blowing up the White House, but it’s a crime for a couple guys to dream about putting an end to oppression? You have to wonder about what a Wife Beater would do to “create” a case.
“In my training and experience” is the authoritative statement in complaints submitted to Courts by FBI agents. Is this the type of experience that is referred to. Evidently they know and understand the criminal mind and intent since they too are criminals.