Kenmore Woman Copped to Gun Charge in Murder-for-Hire Plot

A Kenmore woman implicated in a chilling murder-for-hire scheme was sentenced to time served — 19 months behind bars — after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Lauren Frey, 57, of Kenmore, NY, admitted to holding weapons while conspiring with co-defendant Deborah Arno to carry out contract killings targeting Arno’s ex-husband and his wife.

The plot unraveled in May 2015 when Kenmore Police received a tip about a planned hit. On May 27, officers, backed by East Aurora Police, notified the intended victims — the ex-husband and current wife of Deborah Arno. Frey had been recruited by Arno to execute the murders, leading to a swift investigation and a warrant executed at Frey’s residence on May 28.

Inside Frey’s home, authorities seized multiple incriminating items: letters from Arno outlining the hit, photos of the victims, a detailed diagram of their residence, and a schedule of their daily routines. One handwritten note from Arno to Frey read: “I am enclosing $6000. I will give you an additional $14,000 upon completion. A total of $20,000. A man, his description and address enclosed, is to be eliminated or hurt. He lives with 2 other people. Both expendable (if there is an accident).”

Also recovered were two cellphones and three shotguns. Text messages between the women exposed a growing desperation. On May 24, Arno — using the alias “Chickie” — pressed Frey for action: “Last day before everything changes! I need it done or else I am going to talk to them myself.” Frey replied: “That’s fine I told them today was the deadline or its gonna get harder.” Arno fired back: “What is the big deal! 8 MONTHS! Today! Do it yourself I don’t give a (expletive).”

Frey’s possession of the firearms triggered the federal charge, as she is a convicted felon. Though she avoided additional prison time, the case underscores the dangerous intersection of personal vendettas and illegal weapons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi prosecuted the case, emphasizing the tangible steps taken toward violence.

Deborah Arno was convicted on separate charges and is scheduled for sentencing on March 8, 2017. The investigation was led by the Village of Kenmore Police Department under Chief Peter Breitnauer, the East Aurora Police Department under Chief Ronald Krowka, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.