EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois man is jailed on federal charges that he planned to kidnap, extort and electrocute a wealthy man in a scheme that sought to blame the killing on the intended victim's cat.

Forty-five-year-old Brett Nash of Pontoon Beach is charged with
attempted extortion by threatening violence. Authorities say he was
arrested this week in Granite City and arraigned. His public defender, Thomas Gabel, declined to comment Thursday.

Investigators contend Nash talked of forcing the man into a hot tub and electrocuting him by throwing in a radio - along with man's cat to make authorities believe the animal was the culprit. The alleged target wasn't publicly identified.

Authorities say they learned of the alleged plot after a convicted killer Nash enlisted for help told his former parole officer.