Crime & Safety
Paramus Police Help Solve Murder-For-Hire Case
A North Jersey man pleaded guilty to attempting to kidnap and murder a woman he met online, authorities said.
PARAMUS, N.J. — Borough police helped solve a murder-for-hire and attempted kidnapping case.
Christopher Thieme, 36, admitted that from December 2015 through Jan. 4, 2016, he sought help from an associate to kidnap and ultimately murder a woman he previously met through an online dating service, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
The associate told law enforcement officials about Thieme's plan and cooperated with their investigation.
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Authorities directed the associate to introduce Thieme to an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman, Fishman said. Thieme explained to the agent that once the woman was kidnapped, Thieme would empty her bank accounts, fraudulently sell off her home, and use the proceeds to pay for the kidnapping and murder, the attorney said.
Several North Jersey police departments and law enforcement agencies assisted with the investigation.
Find out what's happening in Paramusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Thieme, of Sussex County, faces a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21, Fishman said.
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