The Latest:
A Matthews man accused of trying to purchase radioactive material as part of a murder-for-hire plot pleaded guilty on Monday, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray.
Officials say 27-year-old Bryant Budi pleaded guilty to Attempted Possession of Radioactive Material with Intent to Cause Death or Serious Bodily Injury to Another Person.
According to court documents, between April 22 and June 1 of 2018 Budi attempted to purchase radioactive material from an undercover FBI agent with the intent of killing or seriously injuring his roommate.
On May 31, authorities say Budi received a package containing a non-lethal substitute for the radioactive material. He was arrested the following day.
A sentencing date for Budi has not yet been announced. Officials say he could face up to life in prison.
Original Story (June 4, 2018):
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Matthews man is accused of hiring a hitman and buying a ‘radioactive substance’ to poison his roommate, according to federal officials.
Investigators say 26-year-old Bryant Riyanto Budi contacted an undercover agent, who was posing as a hitman, in hopes to kill his roommate.
The undercover agent had several online conversations with Budi through encrypted messaging and email platforms, according to a news release.
Read the full affidavit HERE.
Investigators say Budi sent a payment of $800 in virtual currency for the hitman to kill the roommate.
Budi is also accused of contacting another undercover agent via encrypted messages and email platforms in hopes to purchase a lethal dose of a radioactive substance. Budi reportedly wanted to use it to poison his roommate.
Budi was arrested after receiving a package containing an inert radioactive substance in the mail.
Budi has been charged with one count of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire. More charges are expected in the case.
