Image Source: CNN US
A recent incident involving a Tennessee Air National Guardsman has raised eyebrows as he faces serious charges for allegedly applying to be a hitman through an online spoof website, as confirmed by the FBI.
The Incident: A Surprising Application
Josiah Ernesto Garcia, a 21-year-old member of the Tennessee Air National Guard, was charged following his submission of an employment inquiry to a humorous website named rentahitman.com. Originally launched in 2005 to promote a cybersecurity startup that failed, the site has intrigued many over the years, often drawing inquiries about its “services.”
According to the Department of Justice, Garcia expressed interest in employment, citing his military background and experience with firearms when he reached out in February. He requested more details about what the job would entail.
Engaging with the Website
Following his initial inquiry, Garcia submitted a resume, detailing his military experience and marking himself as an “expert marksman.” Notably, he revealed that his nickname “Reaper” hailed from his time in the military.
In a subsequent follow-up email, Garcia excitedly inquired about the position, stating, “I’m looking for a job that pays well, related to my military experience… so if I can find a job that is similar to it, (such as this one) put me in coach!” His eagerness was palpable, and this caught the attention of an undercover FBI agent.
Undercover Operations and Arrest
On April 5, an undercover agent contacted Garcia for a phone interview. During this call, Garcia expressed his urgency to begin work, asking, “How soon can I start?” and requesting details about payment.
As part of the undercover operation, Garcia was invited to meet in person with the agent, where he was presented with a “target package” containing details about a fictional individual. This scenario included the suggestion that he would be carrying out a job for a client who was seeking to eliminate an abusive spouse.
Garcia’s chilling response showed a troubling willingness to engage in the illegal act as he agreed to the terms of the arrangement and even asked if he needed to provide proof of the deed.
Legal Consequences and Future Implications
Following this meeting, Garcia was arrested, and authorities conducted a search of his residence, recovering an AR-style rifle.
He is now facing charges for using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire scheme, which could result in up to ten years in prison if he is convicted.
Garcia is set to appear in court soon as the investigation continues, with the FBI and the military reviewing the implications of this incident on national security and the integrity of military personnel.
Conclusion: A Disturbing Trend
This incident raises serious questions about the influence of online content and the seriousness with which individuals may approach parody websites. As law enforcement continues to monitor such activities, the case of Josiah Ernesto Garcia serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of engaging with seemingly innocuous online platforms.
FAQ
What charges is the Tennessee Air National Guardsman facing?
Josiah Ernesto Garcia is charged with using interstate commerce facilities in a murder-for-hire scheme, potentially facing up to ten years in prison.
What prompted the FBI’s involvement in the case?
Garcia’s application to a spoof hitman website and subsequent communications raised red flags leading the FBI to initiate an undercover investigation.
How did Garcia respond during the investigation?
During the investigation, Garcia expressed eagerness to start the job and indicated willingness to carry out violent acts, alarming authorities.
What was the purpose of the Rent-a-Hitman website?
Initially created for a cybersecurity venture, Rent-a-Hitman has attracted attention over the years for receiving serious inquiries despite being a parody sites.
