A Hamilton County jail inmate was charged Friday with trying to hire a hit man to kill a woman who was about to testify against him.

        Prosecutors say William Austin, 36, wanted the woman dead because she was going to tell a jury Mr. Austin had kidnapped and tried to rape her in September.

        While in jail, prosecutors say, Mr. Austin asked an inmate about to be released to kill the woman.

        Once released, the inmate called his lawyer and told him about the scheme. The lawyer then called police.

        Prosecutor Mike Allen said police arranged a meeting between the ex-inmate and Mr. Austin at the Hamilton County Justice Cen ter. There, Mr. Allen said, the ex-inmate gave Mr. Austin the phone number of a “hit man.” The hit man was really a Cincinnati police sergeant who later taped a conversation with Mr. Austin.

        In that conversation, prosecutors say, Mr. Austin said he wanted the woman kidnapped and forced to write a letter stating she had left town. They say Mr. Austin then asked the “hit man” to kill the woman and hide her body.

        Mr. Allen said Mr. Austin offered $2,500 for the killing.

        Mr. Austin had faced up to 38 years in prison for the attempted rape and kidnapping charges.

        He now faces up to life in prison for attempted aggravated murder, conspiracy and attempted kidnapping charges.

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