Northern Kentucky Man and Former Lawyer Indicted in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Scheme

COVINGTON, KY- A Covington man, Chase Cox, 33, was indicted on Thursday by a federal grand jury in Covington for murder for hire and making a false statement to federal investigators.

According to the indictment, between approximately September 25, 2026, and November 3, 2026, Cox allegedly used the mail and a facility of interstate commerce in an effort to arrange the murder of a victim. The alleged murder-for-hire scheme involved the promise or agreement to pay at least $500 in exchange for the killing.

Additionally, the indictment alleges that on October 8, 2026, Cox knowingly made a materially false statement to investigators with the FBI and ATF. When asked whether there was any reason to believe he posed a threat to the victim, Cox allegedly denied any intent to cause harm, stating that he would never hurt the individual. According to the indictment, that statement was false because Cox was allegedly attempting to have R.B. murdered on his behalf.

"The allegations in this indictment describe an especially disturbing effort to arrange the murder of an individual and then conceal that intent through false statements to federal investigators. Threats of violence and attempts to carry them out will be taken seriously and aggressively investigated," said Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

"Conspiring to commit murder and lying to federal agents are serious offenses," said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes. "ATF and our law enforcement partners remain committed to investigating threats of violence and holding those responsible accountable."

"These charges should be a reminder for anyone planning violence in our community that justice will find you," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson. "Thank you to our incredible federal and state colleagues whose daily vigilance helps keep the Commonwealth safe."

Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the indictment.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and FBI. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Spievack.

Cox is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on December 9, 2026. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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