Three Charged in Murder-for-Hire

TAMPA, FL—United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Cristie Fay Bottorff a/k/a "Cristie Fay Sehorne" (32, Brandon), Jerry Alan Bottorff (40, Brandon), and Luis Angel Lopez a/k/a "Proof" (23, Riverview), with use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. The commission of the offenses resulted in the death of Thomas Lee Sehorne. If convicted on all counts, Cristie Fay Bottorff, Jerry Alan Bottorff, and Luis Angel Lopez each face a penalty of life imprisonment or death. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit $1,000,000, plus interest, in life insurance proceeds paid or payable to Cristie Fay Bottorff, which are alleged to be proceeds traceable to the offenses.

According to the indictment, Cristie Bottorff, Jerry Bottorff, and Luis Lopez used the mail and facilities of interstate commerce, with the intent that Thomas Lee Sehorne would be murdered as consideration for the payment of U.S. currency and other things of value, and that they conspired to do so, resulting in the death of Thomas Lee Sehorne.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey S. Downing.