The recruitment ad that proved to be too much of a ‘hit’
A spoof recruitment ad, which said it was looking for a professional hit man could land one responder to ten years in jail. The parody website – RentAHitman.com – saw American, Josiah Garcia apply for it, after thinking it was real. Garcia was swiftly arrested by federal agents, and according to an affidavit filed in federal court, Garcia claimed he was an excellent marksman, having previously been in the military. Garcia initially submitted his employment application in February, and sent several follow-up emails over the next month. In response to the question “Why I want this job,” he said: “I’m looking for a job, that pays well, related to my military experience (shooting and killing the marked target), so I can support my kid on the way. What can I say, I enjoy doing what I do, so if I can find a job that is similar to it, (such as this one) put me in coach!” The site was originally created in 2005, to advertise a cyber security company that never took off. However, it has continued to receive many inquiries over the years. If convicted, Garcia faces up to ten years in prison, according to a news release from the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.