Former Food Network chef, Juan-Carlos Cruz was arrested last Thursday under suspicion for orchestrating a murder plot against an undisclosed target.

California police say Cruz is accused of soliciting a number of different homeless men to commit murder for him. One man came forward and spoke to police in Santa Monica about the proposition, which led to the undercover operation that resulted in Cruz’s arrest on Thursday, May 13, 2010. Officials were given details about the murder, such as the possible victim’s name, where and when it was supposed to occur.

Sergeant Jay Trisler of the Santa Monica police department told the media, “The individuals who were solicited agreed to assist the Santa Monica Police Department in the investigation.”

There is some speculation that Cruz was targeting his wife, but authorities refused to confirm that information at this time.

The intended victim has been notified, but there is no word about whether those details will be released to the public.

48-year-old Cruz is a well-known chef, cookbook author and former host of the Food Network series Calorie Commando, which ended in 2004. He has spoken at numerous food and health fairs over the years about the importance of low-calorie cooking for good health.

Cruz is currently being held in lieu of $5 million bail, and will be arraigned on Monday, May 17, 2010.