They stole my idea.

On someone's blog [I forget whose], there was a discussion on the best way to take someone out without leaving a CSI trail.

I suggested something natural like using a rattlesnake, or exploiting someone's peanut allergy.

Man sentenced for role in rattlesnake revenge ruse

'LAKEWOOD – A 57-year-old man who was accused of plotting to use rattlesnakes to kill a man who allegedly owed him money was sentenced on Tuesday for his involvement in the case.

Scott Storey, the district attorney for Jefferson and Gilpin Counties, says Herbert Beck was sentenced to five years probation for his role in the case.

Beck and his co-defendant Christopher Steelman were initially charged with plotting to kill Beck's business associate, Matthew Sowash, whom Beck claimed owed him $60,000.

Beck and Steelman were arrested in August by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Investigators say Steelman and Beck allegedly planned on locking Sowash's legs in a box filled with rattlesnakes and leaving him for dead on a hiking trail.

Both were initially charged with conspiracy to commit murder and kidnapping, but those charges were dismissed by a judge.

Beck pleaded guilty to one count of extortion in November. On Tuesday, he was granted probation and 93 days in jail, which he has already served.

One term of Beck's probation is that he is not allowed to gamble. District Court Judge M.J. Menendez told Beck that based on his history and a pre-sentence report, it appeared he had a gambling problem.

Menendez then ordered Beck to undergo treatment for a gambling addiction and recommended a mental health evaluation.

Beck's probation also mandates that he not possess a weapon, or be around them, and he must stay away from known convicted felons and maintain stable employment and a residence.

Steelman, who also pleaded guilty to extortion, will be sentenced Feb. 4.'