Man Accused In Murder For Hire Plot Pleads Not Guilty
FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - The Dania Beach man accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill family members was back in court Thursday.
During his arraignment, 39-year old Jason Simione pleaded not guilty to three counts of three counts of solicitation to commit first degree murder, one count of possessing a destructive device and one count of culpable negligence.
Simione has been in jail since mid-August when he was arrested over stunning allegations that he wanted to kill his wife and several of her family members.
When a SWAT team executed a search warrant at his Dania Beach home, they reported finding 68 rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
Simione is also accused of beating his dog. His lawyer said Simione and his wife are going through a bitter divorce and the allegations are overblown.
Simione's bond has been set at $5 million.
