In a chilling case that has shocked the community of Vero Beach, Florida, 70-year-old Andrew Mustapick has been arrested for allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to kill a teenage girl he previously victimized.
Andrew Mustapick, a convicted sex offender who forced the girl to sign a “sex slave contract,” now faces criminal solicitation charges after an undercover operation exposed his plot to silence the victim before she could testify against him.
The case, unfolding in Indian River County, reveals a disturbing escalation of criminal behavior from a man already sentenced for heinous crimes.
A Predator’s Initial Crimes and Plea Deal
Andrew Mustapick’s descent into criminality began with his exploitation of a teenage girl in 2021. As a computer technician in Vero Beach, Mustapick used his position and authority to manipulate and coerce the minor into signing a so-called “sex slave contract,” a document that formalized his abusive control over her.
This act alone marked him as a dangerous predator, exploiting a vulnerable individual for his own gratification. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, leading to charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
In January, Andrew Mustapick signed a no-contest plea deal for one of the charges, resulting in a sentence of one year in prison and 10 years of sex offender probation. The plea deal, while securing a conviction, allowed Mustapick to avoid a potentially harsher penalty, a point that later became significant as his actions grew more desperate.
His sentencing for the remaining charge was scheduled for June, but it was in the months leading up to this date that Mustapick’s behavior took an even darker turn. The relatively light sentence—eight months in prison after time served—may have emboldened him to believe he could evade further consequences by silencing his victim.
Read : Edward Spencer Detained After Car Crash Kills Three Teen Passengers
The victim, whose identity remains protected, showed immense courage in coming forward to report Andrew Mustapick’s initial crimes. Her willingness to testify was a critical factor in holding him accountable, but it also placed her in grave danger.
Read : Chinese Teen Diagnosed with ‘Love Brain’ after Calling Boyfriend Hundreds of Times Daily
Mustapick’s decision to target her again, this time with lethal intent, underscores the ongoing threat faced by survivors of sexual abuse when their abusers remain determined to evade justice. This case highlights the importance of robust legal protections for victims and the need for vigilant law enforcement to prevent further harm.
The Hitman Plot and Undercover Sting
The turning point in this case came in March when a family member of the victim alerted the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office to Andrew Mustapick’s sinister intentions. The family member reported that Mustapick was actively seeking to hire a hitman to kill the teenage girl before she could testify at his upcoming sentencing.
This tip prompted a swift and decisive response from law enforcement, who recognized the urgency of protecting the victim and apprehending Mustapick before he could act on his plan.
Sheriff’s deputies launched an undercover operation to confirm the allegations and gather evidence. An undercover detective posed as a hitman, engaging Mustapick in conversations that revealed the full extent of his depravity. According to Sheriff Eric Flowers, Mustapick offered the detective $50,000 to carry out the murder, a sum he believed would ensure the victim’s silence.
In a chilling detail, Andrew Mustapick was caught on camera stating that killing the victim would be “easier” and “cheaper” than his initial plan to bribe her with $40,000 to refrain from testifying. This cold calculation laid bare Mustapick’s lack of remorse and his willingness to escalate his crimes to protect himself.
The undercover operation also uncovered Mustapick’s attempts to cover his tracks. Sheriff Flowers reported that Mustapick was seen dumping electronics into the Sebastian River, likely in an effort to destroy evidence of his communications or plans.
However, the sheriff’s office had already gathered sufficient evidence through surveillance and the undercover sting to make an arrest. On Monday, Andrew Mustapick was taken into custody on criminal solicitation charges, with authorities indicating that additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Flowers did not mince words in describing Mustapick’s character, calling him “an absolute animal” during a Tuesday news conference. The sheriff’s outrage reflected the community’s horror at the lengths to which Mustapick was willing to go to evade justice.
The successful sting operation demonstrated the effectiveness of proactive law enforcement in thwarting such plots, but it also raised questions about how Andrew Mustapick was able to pursue this scheme while under legal scrutiny. The case underscores the challenges of monitoring convicted offenders and the critical role of community vigilance in reporting suspicious behavior.
Broader Implications and Community Response
The arrest of Andrew Mustapick has sent shockwaves through Vero Beach, a community unaccustomed to such brazen criminality. The case has sparked discussions about the adequacy of sentencing for sex offenders, the safety of victims in the judicial process, and the need for stronger measures to prevent recidivism.
Mustapick’s ability to orchestrate a murder-for-hire plot while awaiting sentencing raises troubling questions about the monitoring of offenders on probation or awaiting further legal proceedings. It also highlights the vulnerability of victims who bravely come forward, only to face retaliation from their abusers.
The courage of the victim’s family member in reporting Mustapick’s plot cannot be overstated. Their actions likely saved the girl’s life and ensured that Andrew Mustapick would face consequences for his latest crime. This act of vigilance serves as a reminder that community members play a vital role in supporting law enforcement efforts to maintain public safety.
Sheriff Flowers praised the family member’s quick thinking, noting that their tip allowed deputies to act before Mustapick could find a willing accomplice. The case also brings attention to the psychological and emotional toll on victims of sexual abuse, particularly minors. The teenage girl at the center of this case has endured not only the trauma of Mustapick’s initial crimes but also the terror of knowing he sought to have her killed.
Support services, such as counseling and legal advocacy, are essential for helping survivors navigate the aftermath of such experiences. Organizations in Indian River County and beyond are likely to rally around this victim, offering resources to aid her recovery and protect her from further harm.
From a legal perspective, Andrew Mustapick’s arrest for criminal solicitation could lead to significantly harsher penalties than his previous sentence. The charge of soliciting murder is a serious felony, and the evidence gathered through the undercover operation—including recorded conversations and Mustapick’s own statements—strengthens the case against him.
Prosecutors may also consider additional charges related to evidence tampering, given his attempt to dispose of electronics. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar plots are handled, emphasizing the need for severe consequences to deter others from attempting to harm witnesses.
Public reaction to the case has been one of outrage and disbelief. Vero Beach residents have expressed their horror on social media and in local forums, with many calling for stricter laws to protect victims and harsher punishments for offenders like Mustapick.
The case has also prompted renewed discussions about the importance of educating young people about recognizing and reporting predatory behavior, as well as the need for schools and community organizations to provide safe spaces for victims to seek help.
As Mustapick awaits his next court appearance, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, ensuring that all aspects of his plot are thoroughly examined. The community, meanwhile, grapples with the reality that such a dangerous individual lived among them.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the persistence of evil and the importance of collective action to combat it. For the teenage victim, her bravery in the face of unimaginable adversity stands as a testament to the resilience of survivors, and her story will likely inspire others to speak out against abuse.
In conclusion, the arrest of Andrew Mustapick for attempting to hire a hitman to kill a teenage girl he previously victimized is a sobering chapter in an already disturbing saga. His actions, from coercing a minor into a “sex slave contract” to plotting her murder, reveal a man consumed by a desire to control and destroy.
The swift response of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, coupled with the vigilance of the victim’s family, prevented a tragedy and ensured that Andrew Mustapick will face justice once again. As this case unfolds, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Vero Beach, prompting reflection on how to better protect the vulnerable and hold predators accountable.