ChatGPT said: Former Bowling Alley Owner Convicted in Plot to Kill New Jersey Prosecutors and Judges
The conviction of a former New Jersey bowling alley owner who attempted to assassinate prosecutors and judges connected to his crimes is alarming. Steven H. Smink, 62, of Philadelphia, who managed Pike Lanes in Deerfield Township, was convicted guilty of attempting a murder-for-hire plan while serving time for arson.
Authorities found that Smink planned the murder while in prison, targeting several authorities who prosecuted and sentenced him for burning a rival bowling establishment in 2010. His objective was to sell firearms and sports memorabilia to pay for contract killings, prosecutors said. Officials said the scheme was foiled, preventing a devastating attack on the justice system.
Investigators said Smink targeted three Cumberland County prosecutors and two Superior Court judges. Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae and FAP Harold Shapiro were targeted. Due to local justice links, the case was relocated to Atlantic County, where a jury ruled on August 15.
Smink was convicted of conspiracy, five attempted murders, and firearms violations. He must serve 30 years to life in jail before release. His formal sentencing is September 26.
Court records show that Smink launched the sophisticated scheme in late 2017 and early 2018 while serving his arson sentence in Northern State Prison. He asked other convicts and outsiders for a hitman. Authorities said one of his early attempts included a Latin Kings gang member who died before acting. Later, Smink used a New Jersey State Police-cooperating witness to link him to an assassin.
The evidence proved that Smink detailed his goals, even suggesting that public murders may be staged as gang violence. Prosecutors said this showed his premeditated plan and the harm he presented to public officials for doing their jobs.
Smink utilized family and allies to move assets and weaponry to pay the claimed hitman, according to the inquiry. His mother, Esther Smink, allegedly transferred sports memorabilia and a Harley Davidson motorcycle, but charges were dropped following her 2022 death. Jose Velez and his niece Vanessa Velez were also involved in the guns plot. Both faced accusations and prison sentences for illegal possession and transporting weapons, but not attempted murder.
Authorities found other suspicious sports collectibles Smink planned to use as payment. Prosecutors said jerseys with phony signatures from famous players had little market value.
Smink’s battle with the law continues with this conviction. His 2023 release followed nearly a decade in prison for burning of a competitive firm. He was arrested for murder-for-hire in Atlantic County shortly after his release. Officials say his acts show a worrying inclination to assault justice-enforcers.
State officials applauded law enforcement, correctional officers, and investigators for foiling the plot. Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the case reminds public officials of the risks they confront and the need for care to preserve the legal system.
Once a local businessman, Smink is now a dangerous felon whose crimes went beyond revenge and financial competitiveness. He is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison after a decade-long saga that jeopardized New Jersey’s legal system. Sentencing is scheduled for late September.
Sources
New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
New Jersey State Police
Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office
