Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to Hire Hitman on Dark Web
A New Jersey resident, John Michael Musbach, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison for his attempt to hire a hitman on the dark web. Musbach sought to hire someone to assassinate a 14-year-old victim he had previously sexually exploited, in an effort to prevent the child from testifying against him. He paid over $20,000 in bitcoin to a fraudulent murder-for-hire website, but his actions were exposed when Homeland Security Investigations agents intercepted communications on the dark web.
Key Points:
– John Michael Musbach hired a hitman through the dark web to kill a minor he had sexually exploited.
– He paid over $20,000 in bitcoin to a fraudulent murder-for-hire website.
– The dark website administrators notified him that the hitman was arrested and requested an additional $5,000 for a new hitman.
– Musbach’s bitcoin address used for the transaction was traced back to him through investigations by Coinbase.
– Musbach had a prior suspended sentence for the sexual exploitation of the victim but continued researching ways to commit murder.
In August 2020, Musbach was arrested again and charged with using a facility of interstate and foreign commerce with the intent to commit murder. He pleaded guilty in February 2023 and was sentenced to 78 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $30,000. This case highlights the dangers of the dark web and the serious consequences of attempting to hire a hitman.
Hot Take:
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dark and dangerous side of the internet. It showcases the lengths some individuals will go to silence their victims and evade justice. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to stay vigilant and work together to uncover and prosecute these heinous crimes. It is also a reminder to parents and guardians to educate and protect their children about the potential dangers online.
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