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Tampa Accountant Charged with Murder-for-Hire
DeAnna Marie Stinson, a 50-year-old Tampa resident, has been arrested and charged with soliciting a crime of violence and murder-for-hire, federal authorities announced today.
According to a federal criminal complaint, Stinson is accused of using a dark web website to solicit the murder of her former significant other’s spouse. The complaint alleges that Stinson created an account on the website, known as ‘The Website,’ on June 24, 2021, and submitted an order for a ‘quick hit’ in southern Florida.
The complaint states that Stinson provided the victim’s name, address, and a photograph of the victim, and paid over $12,000 in Bitcoin to effect the hit. Stinson allegedly sent four additional orders and messaged administrators of the website, requesting that the job be completed as soon as possible.
Law enforcement agents received information regarding Stinson’s criminal activity and obtained records from her virtual currency exchange account, showing that she had paid Bitcoin to the website. An undercover agent contacted Stinson, posing as a hitman, and Stinson confirmed that she wanted the victim killed and agreed to send additional money to the agent via Bitcoin.
On September 13, 2021, Stinson sent $350 in Bitcoin to the undercover agent so that the agent could purchase a revolver to commit the murder. If convicted on all counts, Stinson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
The case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the use of dark web platforms to facilitate violent crimes. It also underscores the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat these types of crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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