A former Food Network star allegedly tried to hire homeless people to kill an unidentified target, police in Santa Monica, Calif., police charge.

ADVERTISEMENT


Juan-Carlos Cruz, known for his stint on "Calorie Commando," was arrested Thursday in an investigation that began May 7, police said Friday night.

Police did not disclose who the intended target was or specific details about the alleged plot, CNN said.

Police did say, however, they were tipped off via the Santa Monica Police Department's Homeless Liaison Program.

"The individuals who were solicited agreed to assist the Santa Monica Police Department in the investigation," a police statement said. "The results of the investigation revealed the murder-for-hire method, where and when the individual was to be killed, and the terms of payment."

ADVERTISEMENT


Cruz has been charged with solicitation to commit murder and is being held on $5 million bail.