Lengthy prison sentences recommended against US men for murder of farmer

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) recommended prison sentences from nine to 20 years against four men who they believe were involved in the violent murder of an organic farmer in Bergen, Limburg. This happened during a debt collection that got out of hand.

Two of the suspects were directly involved in the murder of 58-year-old German Thomas Schwarz in his home on November 26, 2019, according to the OM. Prosecutors want them to be jailed for 20 years. A third suspect allegedly provided assistance. OM recommended a nine-year jail sentence against him.

All three are former members of the United States military and were hired by a 54-year-old Swiss businessman and creditor, Lukas F. He is accused of extortion and deprivation of liberty resulting in death. He heard a recommended sentencing of 12 years in prison.

F. allegedly played an active role by directing the collection through intimidation instead of hiring a lawyer or bailiff, as is the usual case, according to the OM. According to the prosecutors, the Swiss businessman prefers to use ex-military officers, whom he sends worldwide, to collect debts.

The end justified all means in Bergen; according to the OM, "F. is partly responsible for the violence on November 26; it was his debt collection job. It was clear in advance that violence would be used."

According to the OM, the three were tasked by F. to use violence to ensure that the farmer paid 462,000 euros, which he still owed to the Swiss man. The attempt at collecting the debt got so out of hand, according to prosecutors, that the German ended up losing his life.

Steven C. and Jacob M. broke into the home and allegedly hit, tied up, taped, and stabbed the suspect with a knife on several occasions before slitting his throat. This all happened because the man could not or would not pay.

The OM believes the victim died while the two were brutally attempting to extort money from him. The third man, a former sheriff called Will J., was outside on the lookout. Prosecutors suspect him, just like F., of complicity in the deprivation of liberty and attempted extortion resulting in death.

The court will announce its verdict on December 19.