MIAMI - Yesterday, during a hearing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Makram Khashman, 58, of Boynton Beach, Fla., pled guilty to murder-for-hire after paying a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) undercover agent (UC) posing as a hitman to commit the murder.

As part of his guilty plea, Khashman admitted he met with the UC on Feb. 29, and told the UC that the victim had put Khashman and his family out on the street by taking over a million dollars from him and a business worth around three million. Khashman said he did not care how the victim was killed and negotiated a price of $5,000 for the murder. Khashman added that the UC could keep the cash the UC took from the murdered victim. Khashman agreed to provide half the payment and details about the victim at a later meeting.

On March 19, Khashman met with the UC a second time, bringing the initial $2,500 payment for the murder. Khashman spelled out the victim's first and last name and provided details regarding the victim's pattern of life, including the victim's cars and work schedule. Khashman told the UC about a secluded location that the victim frequented. Khashman agreed that the final payment for the murder would be due when the UC provided photographic evidence that the victim had been killed. Khashman was later arrested, and the intended victim suffered no physical harm.

Khasman is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., by U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith. Khashman faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the ATF Miami Field Division made the announcement.

ATF Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey O'Neal and Camille Smith are prosecuting it.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-60053.

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