Blues' Danton arrested in murder-for-hire plot

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Ticker) -- St. Louis Blues center Mike Danton was arrested Friday morning and charged with participating in an alleged murder-for-hire plot.

In a statement, the FBI said Danton was apprehended in San Jose, where the Blues were eliminated Thursday night from the Western Conference quarterfinals by the Sharks.

Danton's arrest came one day after an alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer of Florissant, Missouri, was taken into custody in Brentwood, Missouri.

According to U.S. Attorney Ronald J. Tenpas of the Central District of Illinois, Danton and Wolfmeyer conspired to hire someone to kill an acquaintance with whom Danton quarreled Tuesday night.

The criminal complaint said the argument involved "promiscuity and use of alcohol" by Danton, who "begged the acquaintance not to go to [Blues general manager Larry Pleau] ... and ruin his career."

Wolfmeyer allegedly assisted Danton in finding a prospective killer. That unidentified person cooperated with the FBI, whose agents taped incriminating telephone calls, authorities said. No one was injured.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.

Danton, 23, had seven goals, five assists and a team-leading 141 penalty minutes in 68 games in his first full NHL season.

A native of Brampton, Ontario, Danton was suspended during the 2001-02 season by New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello for failing to report to the minor leagues. Danton sat out most of the previous season following a disagreement over a medical diagnosis.

A 2000 fifth-round draft pick, Danton legally changed his name from Mike Jefferson.

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