Global Courant 2023-04-13 20:49:56
A Minnesota man was arrested after his alleged assassination attempt failed for the second time since 2021.
Robert Charles Thomas Sr., 38, allegedly wanted to kill an unnamed “close acquaintance” who he believed was sleeping with his wife and who he believed could inherit a “substantial” inheritance, the Todd County deputy said, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office.
Local news outlets reported that the “close acquaintance” is a relative, but court documents reveal the target’s name.
The first time, in 2021, Thomas allegedly hired a hitman for $10,000, but court documents say the hired gun did not propel the murder.
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Robert Charles Thomas Sr. was arrested after his alleged assassination attempt failed a second time. (Todd County Jail)
Thomas reportedly tried again this year, but police were tipped off in advance and mounted a sting operation last month involving the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, the West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
An undercover BCA agent posing as a hitman arranged a meeting with Thomas last month in a grocery store parking lot in Long Prairie, Minnesota, the sheriff’s office said.
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The two spoke in a car, where Thomas reportedly laid out his plan during an hour-long conversation that was videotaped, citing court documents, mprnews.org reported.
Thomas gave the undercover officer the target’s habits, vehicle information and frequently visited places, KSTP reported, citing court documents.
Corbon’s Grocery in Long Prairie, Minnesota, is said to be where Robert Thomas Sr. and an undercover cop posing as a hit man met. (Google Street View)
According to KSTP, he allegedly said he wanted the family member “just gone” rather than maimed or injured.
The two reportedly agreed to pay $50,000 in installments, which Thomas said he could raise by selling his inherited possessions, and the hit would take place after Easter weekend unless Thomas called it off, according to the local news outlet.
On Monday, Thomas was arrested after reportedly telling the undercover officer there was no need to wait to carry out the plot, and later allegedly admitted to the crime while being questioned by the Todd County Attorney’s Office.
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Thomas was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and will appear in court again on May 1.
If convicted, he could serve 20 years in prison.
