By: Richard L. Smith
A plot to kill multiple New Jersey government officials has resulted in a 95-year state prison sentence for a Philadelphia man.
Authorities said Steven Smink, 62, was convicted in August of conspiracy to commit murder, five counts of attempted murder, and weapons offenses.
Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Levin imposed the sentence, requiring Smink to serve 85 percent before becoming eligible for release.
The investigation revealed that from 2018 to 2020, Smink conspired to kill Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, First Assistant Prosecutor Harold Shapiro, two judges, and an assistant prosecutor involved in his earlier conviction for arson.
Smink, once the owner of a South Jersey bowling alley, was already serving 15 years for arranging to have a rival bowling alley burned down.
State Police and corrections officials uncovered his murder-for-hire scheme after learning he tried to recruit gang members and later paid a cooperating witness with sports memorabilia to help find a hitman.
Officials said Smink also had his late mother write letters on his behalf to further the conspiracy.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the sentence underscores the seriousness of threatening public servants and ensures Smink remains behind bars for life.