Combating Hate: Domestic Extremism & Terrorism

Michigan Militia Members Charged in Weapons Case

Two Michigan militia members involved in what prosecutors call a “violent militia conspiracy” have been charged with hiding a machine gun in connection with an alleged plot to attack police in retaliation for the fatal shooting of another Michigan militia member.

Jeffrey Thomas Horvath, 23, was accused of concealing a machine gun and ammunition for Donald Joseph Koshmider II, 39, who was charged with possession of an illegal machine gun. 

The June 10, 2004 charges stem from a continuing investigation following the earlier arrest of Norman David Somerville.  Prosecutors describe Somerville, Horvath, and Koshmider as part of a “self-styled violent militia group.”

Court documents indicate that Somerville was planning to kill police officers in retaliation for the fatal shooting of Michigan militia member Scott Allen Woodring in July, 2003, by Michigan state police. Woodring had earlier killed a state police officer during an armed standoff, then escaped, but was killed in a later encounter with police.

Somerville, Horvath, and Koshmider are scheduled to face trial on August 17, 2004.