MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 45-year-old man is charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping after he unknowingly made a deal with a police officer to kidnap and kill his ex-girlfriend.
Police say they received a call on April 25 from an individual who told them Jesse Michael Ericson had contacted them about kidnapping and killing his ex.
The person said Ericson had been keeping track of his ex-girlfriend’s phone records and whereabouts, planned to abduct her, hold her hostage, obtain access to her 401k and IRA and then kill her. He allegedly said he wanted help doing this and was willing to pay.
The person told him they didn’t want to be involved but said they would be the go-between for him and a hired hit man. That person then contacted police and a meeting was arranged between an undercover agent and Ericson.
Ericson met with the “hit man,” who was equipped with surveillance equipment and audio recording devices. Ericson told the agent that he wanted his ex-girlfriend kidnapped and brought to a location where they could force her to transfer money. He said he would split the money with the hit man but didn’t have any money now. He said the hit man would receive about $150,000 for his help.
Police say Ericson then provided the agent with photos of his ex-girlfriend and a detailed description of the layout of her home.
The next day, Ericson told the agent that he changed his mind and no longer wanted to kill his ex but still wanted to proceed with the kidnapping.
Ericson was placed under arrest and transported to the Pine County Detention Center. He is charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
