A federal magistrate has ordered eight suspected members of a Midwest Christian militia accused of conspiring to overthrow the government to remain locked up until trial.

U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald J. Scheer said during his ruling Friday that federal prosecutors had provided the court with "very disturbing information."

Defense attorneys say they plan to appeal Scheer's ruling, but a hearing isn't expected until next week.

The eight are suspected members of a group called the Hutaree (hoo-TAH'-ray), which is based in rural Michigan. They are among nine charged this week with seditious conspiracy, attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and other crimes. The ninth is being held in Indiana.

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