Search Articles
ST. LOUIS (CN) – A man who placed a $1 million bounty on Craigslist seeking the death of any police officer in Maplewood, Mo., was sentenced Wednesday to six years in federal prison. William Lawrence, 33, of Maplewood, admitted placing the ad, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement. Lawrence’s issues with Maplewood police began on Feb. 6, 2012 when officers were sent to a neighborhood disturbance. Police found that Lawrence had an outstanding warrant, searched his apartment and found evidence of marijuana cultivation, a shotgun with no serial number and a .22 caliber rifle, prosecutors said. The guns were seized and Lawrence was arrested. Lawrence repeatedly asked police for his guns back, and each time was told they were being held as evidence. On March 1, 2012, a police officer from a nearby city told Maplewood about the ad, which was traced. Lawrence pleaded guilty to using the Internet in furtherance of murder for hire, according to the U.S. attorney. Maplewood, pop. 8,044, is 8 miles west of St. Louis.
Follow @joeharris_stlSubscribe to our free newsletters
Our weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.