For Further Information, Contact: Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne K. Perry (619) 557-5767

 For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - December 3, 2007

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Thomas Ryan Knight was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego by United States District Judge Larry A. Burns to serve 68 months in custody based on Knight’s conviction for his use of interstate facilities in pursuing the commission of a murder-forhire. Judge Burns also ordered Knight to serve a three-year term of supervised release. Knight entered his guilty plea on September 13, 2007.

According to court records, Knight was arrested on July 16, 2007, in Arizona, where he was enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Huachuca. In connection with his plea, Knight admitted that in February 2007, on an encrypted internet chat room, he relayed his desire to have an individual living in Fresno, California, kidnaped and murdered. After making his intentions known in the chat room, Knight then met with an undercover San Diego Police Department detective who posed as a hit man for hire. Knight further admitted that on May 28, 2007, he met with the undercover officer in Coronado, California and told him he wanted an individual named “Derek” killed. Arrangements were made for the “hit man” to receive $2,000 and a firearm to commit the murder. Ultimately, Knight sent a total of $1,500 to the “hit man” and promised to provide another $500 once the murder had taken place.

The Court ordered Knight remanded immediately into custody to begin serving his sentence.

DEFENDANT Case Number: 07cr2096LAB
Thomas Ryan Knight

SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder for Hire
Title 18 United States Code, Section 1958(a)

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Immigration and Customs Enforcement