Crime

Olympia man held on $5 million bail for alleged murder for hire plot

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An Olympia man is being held in the Thurston County Jail on $5 million bail after authorities said he attempted to facilitate the death of a woman set to testify against him.

John W. Fredrickson, 55, was already incarcerated in the Thurston County Jail on multiple charges of harassment and malicious mischief before the new allegations surfaced.

According to a probable cause affidavit, on Oct. 19, authorities learned from an inmate at the jail that Fredrickson asked as many as 20 times for help arranging a woman’s murder. The woman was going to testify against Fredrickson in separate criminal matters. 

Fredrickson said he wanted the woman to “feel pain” when she died, according to court documents, which further allege he was willing to pay $15,000 to $20,000 for her death.

Sheriff’s Office Lt. Cameron Simper told The JOLT News that Fredrickson had been incarcerated on the harassment and malicious mischief charges in January. He posted bail shortly after, and was released. However, he was arrested again in March, after he allegedly violated the conditions of his release. He’s been in jail ever since.

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release on Wednesday that an investigation at the jail revealed attempts to solicit a murder. The press release did not identify Fredrickson by name, since he had not yet been charged.

On Thursday, the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office charged Fredrickson with one count of first-degree solicitation to commit murder. During a preliminary hearing in Thurston County Superior Court, bail was set at $5 million.

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