Monroe Man Pleads Guilty To Role In Murder-For-Hire Scheme: Feds

MONROE, CT — A 73-year-old Monroe man pleaded guilty in a New Jersey federal court Thursday to one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire in connection with a murder scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

George Bratsenis admitted his role in a murder for hire scheme in which a New Jersey-based political consultant paid him and another man to kill a longtime associate, according to prosecutors.

Bratsenis pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez. Bratsenis's conspirators – Sean Caddle and Bomani Africa – previously pleaded guilty before Judge Vazquez to their roles in the murder scheme.

"Eight years ago, these three individuals – Caddle, Bratsenis, and Africa – conspired to brutally murder the victim," Sellinger said in a statement. "At Caddle's direction, Bratsenis and Africa stabbed the victim to death in the victim's apartment, and then set it ablaze. These guilty pleas bring a measure of justice to the victim's memory and for his family. I commend the efforts of the FBI, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, and my Office for their determination over many years to bring this matter to resolution."

The identity of the victim, who was a resident of Jersey City, NJ, was not disclosed.

Added FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., "This defendant conspired in the ultimate crime – murder for money. Those who devalue life – whether out of greed or animus – need to know that the FBI is dedicated to keeping our citizens safe, and nothing will stop us from accomplishing that mission. When you break the law, you will be brought to justice no matter how long it takes."

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In April of 2014, Caddle solicited Bratsenis to commit a murder on Caddle's behalf in exchange for thousands of dollars. Bratsenis recruited Africa, a longtime accomplice from Philadelphia, to join the plot. After Bratsenis confirmed his and Africa's interest in the job, Caddle told Bratsenis that the target was a longtime associate who had worked for Caddle on various political campaigns.
On May 22, 2014, Bratsenis and Africa traveled from out of state to the victim's apartment in Jersey City. After entering the apartment, Bratsenis and Africa stabbed the victim to death and then set fire to the victim's apartment. After Caddle learned that the victim had been murdered, the following day, he met Bratsenis in the parking lot of a diner in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Caddle paid Bratsenis thousands of dollars in exchange for the murder, and Bratsenis shared a portion of those proceeds with Africa.

Bratsenis faces a potential maximum term of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine, when he is sentenced on Aug. 2.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Crouch in Newark, with the investigation leading to Thursday's guilty plea. He also thanked the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office for its assistance.

The government is represented by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee M. Cortes Jr. and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Farrell, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit.