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Sheriff: Inmate plotted to have jail vehicle ambushed

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A Niagara County Jail inmate already facing attempted murder charges is now facing a new charge of attempted murder for allegedly plotting to have a jail vehicle ambushed.

Benito Gonzalez, 33, is charged with first-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal solicitation.

According to Sheriff James Voutour, Gonzalez was making plans in jail to have someone ambush a sheriff's transport vehicle carrying him to court, allowing him to escape.

Gonzalez was already locked up facing several previous charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. Prosecutors say while behind bars on unrelated charges, he tried to hire a hit man to kill his wife.

The new charges have raised his bail to $1000,000.

Gonzalez is due in Lockport Town Court Monday afternoon.