Minnesota man accused of hiring hit man apologizes
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jesse Ericson called FOX 9 News to say he wanted to apologize to the people he hurt when he was arrested and charged with trying to hire a hitman to kidnap and kill his ex-girlfriend. (FOX 9 News)
Against his attorney's advice, a Minnesota man accused of trying to hire a hitman to kidnap and kill his ex girlfriend said in an exclusive interview apologized to all the people he hurt.
Jesse Ericson gave FOX 9 News an exclusive interview and although his memory is selective, he reportedly does not deny many of the allegations.
"I didn't want to hurt her," said Ericson, who posted $250,000 bail. "I wrecked that relationship. I didn't want to do that."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In April, Ericson met with an undercover officer posing as a hit man at an area casino, the report said. The two met three more times in the parking lot of a liquor store, and all the conversations were captured in audio and video recordings.
In those conversations, Ericson allegedly wavered between wanting to have his ex killed or kept hostage as a sex slave. Pine County Sheriff Robin Cole said Ericson also wrote down his plans.
"He had detailed plans of what he wanted done to this woman, and it's -- it's perversion," Cole said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ericson, who spoke to the station despite his attorney’s wishes, said he was high on pain medications and beer when he contacted the hit man.
FOX 9 News showed the interview to his ex-girlfriend's sister, and she said she doesn’t believe he’s truly remorseful.
"[Those tears are] fake," Susan Bruce said. "Totally fake."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He has a long rap sheet and restraining orders from many ex-girlfriends, the station reported.
Why he decided to talk to FOX 9 News against his attorney's recommendation is a mystery, but Ericson said he hoped to send a message to his victim.
"I just want her to know, I'm desperate," he said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ericson will appear in court again later this month to face three counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping.