Victim in murder-for-hire plot wants compensation

Beneath tardy loans, overdue rent and unpaid work, Charles Allen checked the "other" box on his small claims lawsuit.

"Defendant conspired to have me murdered," he wrote as an explanation.

His claim is against Joseph Cifelli, who is serving an 11-month sentence in the county jail after his plot to hire a hit man was discovered in October 2008. He had three intended targets, including Allen, according to authorities.

Cifelli, 66, was jailed in May after agreeing to a plea deal that reduced his charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

Now Allen wants compensation for the "intentional cause of distress" that Cifelli supposedly caused - $4,990 to be exact.

That amount brings it just under the $5,000 threshold that separates small claims from county civil court.

Allen said he is a 100 percent disabled veteran of the Vietnam War, and the stress of having a hit out on his life only aggravated existing conditions.

He recognizes his former neighbor is in jail, but is confident the money will turn up if a judge grants his request.

"Even if I have to hunt it down," he said.