A 23-year-old Albany man has been charged with attempting to hire a hitman to kill two FBI special agents and a federal prosecutor while also seeking to recover evidence seized in a separate criminal investigation, federal authorities announced.
Aaron Corey, also known as “Baggeth,” faces charges of attempted murder for hire, solicitation of a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in the Northern District of New York.
Corey is already being held pending trial on unrelated federal child pornography charges.
Alleged Plot Targeted Investigators and Prosecutor
According to the complaint, Corey allegedly sought to have two FBI special agents and the assistant U.S. attorney assigned to prosecute his child pornography case killed while arranging for electronic devices seized by the FBI to be stolen before his trial.
Federal prosecutors said Corey sent multiple letters to another inmate asking for help finding someone to carry out the killings and retrieve the evidence.
Authorities allege Corey instructed that the intended victims be kidnapped, injected with fentanyl, and then disposed of in a wood chipper.
After the original prosecutor assigned to his case left the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Corey allegedly updated his plan to include the prosecutor who assumed responsibility for the case.
Undercover Operation Led to New Charges
According to the complaint, the inmate who received Corey’s letters turned them over to his attorney, who contacted the FBI. Investigators then arranged for Corey to communicate with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman.
Prosecutors allege Corey offered to pay $5,000 to have his electronic devices stolen from the FBI, including a $200 down payment. He also allegedly agreed to pay $30,000 to have the two FBI agents and the federal prosecutor killed, with a $500 down payment.
The complaint states Corey repeated his request that the victims be put through a wood chipper and asked that the killings be recorded on video.
Authorities allege Corey later spoke with the undercover officer multiple times and arranged for his fiancée, who lives outside the United States, to send the two down payments.
Officials Condemn Alleged Scheme
“I commend the quick work of the FBI in investigating and disrupting this alleged and depraved murder-for-hire scheme,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said in a statement.
“We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law. Let me be clear: any attempt to obstruct justice or to harm federal law enforcement officials or federal prosecutors will be met with the full weight of the Department of Justice.”
FBI Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said the alleged plot demonstrates the danger investigators say is posed by members of the 764 network.
“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mr. Corey ordered the gruesome murder of two FBI Special Agents and an Assistant United States Attorney,” Tremaroli said. “He quickly found out just how seriously the FBI takes threats of violence, especially those directed toward law enforcement.”
Authorities Describe 764 Network
According to the complaint, Corey identifies himself as a member of 764, which federal authorities describe as a criminal organization of nihilistic violent extremists operating in the United States and abroad.
Investigators allege members of the network use social media to target vulnerable minors and encourage the possession, production, and distribution of extreme gore content and child sexual abuse material.
Case Continues
Corey was arraigned Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart in Albany and remains in federal custody pending trial.
If convicted on the new charges, he faces a combined maximum penalty of 50 years in prison, fines of up to $750,000, and up to five years of supervised release.
Federal authorities emphasized that the allegations contained in both the new complaint and the underlying child pornography case are accusations. Corey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
