New York cardiologist Anthony J Moschetto Held In Murder-For-Hire Plot On Rival

A New York cardiologist has been arrested and accused of a murder-for-hire plot against a competing doctor.

Dr Anthony J Moschetto, 54, of Sands Point on Long Island, is accused of illegally dealing in prescription drugs and weapons and conspiring to kill a fellow cardiologist with whom he had a professional dispute.

He allegedly had the office of his rival torched, then hired someone who tued out to be an undercover police officer in a failed attempt to have the doctor hurt or killed.

"He was willing to pay $5,000 to have him beaten and put in the hospital for a couple of months and pay $20,000 to have him killed," Nassau County Assistant District Attoey Anne Donnelly said.

"He wanted to put him out of business so he could get his business."

James Kalamaras is accused of arson

The investigation into Moschetto started with the purchase of Oxycodone pills, heroin and two fully loaded assault weapons. Prosecutors said Moschetto was caught on video discussing the alleged plot with the undercover agent.

The targeted victim was named in court as Martin Handler and authorities said that at one point Moschetto also asked for an assault on Mr Handler’s wife.

A search of the suspect's home tued up a cache of about 100 weapons, including a hand grenade, an AR-15 rifle and an M1 carbine, each with illegal high-capacity magazines.

Many of the weapons were found in a hidden basement room revealed by a switch-activated, moving bookshelf.

Moschetto is charged with conspiracy, arson and burglary as well as drug and weapons charges. The stiffest count carries a possible sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

James Chmela is held on weapons charges

He pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and other charges at his arraignment, and left court after posting a $2m bond. He is due back in court on 17 April.

Also arrested in the case were James Chmela, 43, on weapons charges and James Kalamaras, 41, who is charged with arson.