A Tennessee Air National Guardsman, Josiah Ernesto Garcia, found himself in hot water after attempting to become a hitman through a satirical “rent-a-hitman” website. Created in 2005 to promote a cybersecurity startup, the website attracted inquiries for murder-for-hire services over the years. Garcia, 21, applied for the job by emphasizing his military background and rifle skills, even going as far as providing identification documents, a resume, and adopting the nickname “Reaper” based on his marksman prowess.
A Curious Inquiry Leads to Legal Trouble
In February, Garcia expressed interest in the job by stating his motive for seeking employment related to his military experience, particularly in shooting and eliminating targets. He candidly shared his enthusiasm for such work, hoping to secure a well-paying job to support his upcoming child. Following his application, Garcia sent multiple follow-up emails to the website, eager to hear back about the position. The website owner, working in collaboration with the FBI, replied to Garcia, indicating that a Field Coordinator would be in touch in due course to discuss the job further.
An FBI Sting Operation Unveils Shocking Details
As the communication progressed, Garcia engaged in conversations with an undercover FBI agent, demonstrating his eagerness to begin work immediately and inquiring about payment details. In a phone interview, Garcia expressed his willingness to undertake gruesome tasks like collecting body parts or inflicting torture, if requested by a client. Subsequently, during a face-to-face meeting with the agent, Garcia was presented with a fabricated target profile, including personal details and a payment offer of $5,000, with a $2,500 down payment. Agreeing to the terms, Garcia even asked if he needed to provide a photo of the deceased body, leading to his prompt arrest by FBI agents at his home, where an AR-style rifle was found.
Legal Ramifications and Future Proceedings
Josiah Ernesto Garcia now faces charges for utilizing interstate commerce facilities in a murder-for-hire scheme, a crime that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Despite several attempts to contact Garcia’s attorney for comment, no response has been received. Garcia is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon to address the allegations against him. Furthermore, CNN has reached out to the Air National Guard for their perspective on the incident, seeking additional insights into Garcia’s involvement and potential repercussions within the military community.
In this bizarre turn of events, a seemingly innocuous online inquiry led a young Guardsman down a perilous path, culminating in a startling revelation of criminal intent. The intricate web of deception spun by Garcia and the undercover FBI agent sheds light on the dangers of the digital age, where illicit activities can lurk beneath seemingly harmless online facades. As the legal process unfolds, the true extent of Garcia’s actions and motivations will come to light, serving as a cautionary tale for others tempted by the allure of criminal exploits in the shadows.
