Former freeholder candidate admits plotting to abduct, kill woman he met online

NEWARK — A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to planning to kidnap and kill a woman he went on two dates with after meeting online.

Christopher Thieme, of Newton, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Newark to conspiring with what turned out to be an undercover FBI agent.

Prosecutors say the FBI got involved after Thieme asked a friend for help to kidnap the Paterson woman. The friend called authorities who set up a sting operation.

Investigators say Thieme told the agent that he would pay him by selling the victim's home while she was being held. He told the agent he would make her death look like a heroin overdose.

He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for attempted kidnapping and 10 years and $250,000 for the murder-for-hire charge.

Thieme had previously run for a seat on the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.