Former TV chef Juan-Carlos Cruz Arrested In murder-for-hire plot, Released on bail
California police yesterday said that the former host of Food Network's "Calorie Commando" Juan-Carlos Cruz is accused of plotting to hire homeless people to carry out a murder.
However, the Santa Monica Police Department refused to divulge details about the target sought by Cruz or the alleged murder plot.
Police added that the plan failed when the homeless people recruited by the TV host told officers with the Santa Monica Police Department's Homeless Liaison Program about the plan.
"The individuals who were solicited agreed to assist the Santa Monica Police Department in the investigation," a police statement said. "The results of the investigation revealed the murder-for-hire method, where and when the individual was to be killed, and the terms of payment," added the statement.
Authorities said that the investigation began on May 7 and Cruz was taken into custody two days ago. He was later released on a $5 million bail on a charge of solicitation to commit murder.
