Auburn inmate sentenced for murder conspiracy

District Attorney Jon Budelmann announced that Michael D. Coe, (d/o/b/ 9/30/72) was sentenced to Seven (7) to Fourteen (14) years in state prison for the class “B” felony of Conspiracy in the Second Degree (to Commit Murder) in Cayuga County Court. Coe’s conviction and sentence stemmed from an investigation conducted while Coe was incarcerated at Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, New York.The investigation revealed that Coe planned and then hired an individual to murder two persons associated with his estranged ex-girlfriend. In arranging for the murders, Coe gave instructions, provided descriptions, addresses, and even drew maps of where the intended victims would most likely be found. Coe even made drawings of how he wanted the murders committed. Coe then met personally with a person whom he believed to be a professional “hitman.” During the meeting Coe explained in explicit detail how he wanted the two killed. Payment arrangements were also discussed and later completed. The case was investigated by the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit (Syracuse), the Department of Corrections Inspector General’s Office, in conjunction with the Cayuga County District Attorney’s office. Coe had been serving a 1⅓ to 4 prison term for his Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree conviction and had been previously scheduled for release on July 2012. District Attorney Budelmann commented, “This exceedingly serious murder plot was thwarted and the inmate was held accountable due to the excellent investigative work. This case reminds us that even though incarcerated some criminals are still quite dangerous to those outside the prison walls. We must remain vigilant and protect ourselves from violent criminals.”