Feds Say Man Traded Cash, Bourbon and a Nun’s Van in Plot to Feed Romantic Rival to Pigs

NEW YORK — A New York man has pleaded guilty in federal court to orchestrating a plot to murder a romantic rival and dispose of the body at a hog farm in exchange for cash, a bottle of bourbon, and the rental of a van from a nun.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jeal Sutherland, 57, admitted to using an interstate commerce facility in a murder-for-hire scheme. Prosecutors said Sutherland conspired with a man who became an informant, directing him to kill the target, transport the body to a Pennsylvania hog farm, and feed it to pigs. He agreed to pay $1,000 for the murder, along with reimbursement for expenses such as van rental and gas.

According to the criminal complaint, the plan unraveled after the informant — who had already committed a vehicle arson at Sutherland’s request — began cooperating with the FBI. The informant recorded multiple conversations in which Sutherland detailed the murder plan and methods to destroy evidence. In one discussion, the informant said he could rent a van “from a nun” for $250 to help carry out the job.

Sutherland’s then-girlfriend allegedly expressed a desire to torture the victim, the informant told authorities. Sutherland later said he didn’t want to know the details but would require proof that the man was dead.

In January, the FBI launched an undercover operation with an agent posing as a hog farmer. The informant and agent told Sutherland they would need payment up front. Sutherland agreed, handing over $1,000, a bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon, and an E-ZPass transponder.

He was arrested on Jan. 27. No one was harmed. During a court hearing, Sutherland also admitted to previously leaving a dead Canadian goose and a threatening note at the home of his target’s mother.

“Sutherland hatched a vicious plot to kill a romantic rival and intimidate his victim’s family,” U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said in a statement. “When members of the FBI and my office learned of Sutherland’s plans, they acted quickly and did not rest until Sutherland was brought to justice.”

Sutherland faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for Sept. 22.