TV chef charged in plot to kill wife

LOS ANGELES — A former television chef pleaded not guilty Monday with attempted murder in connection with an alleged plot to hire homeless men to kill his wife.

Juan-Carlos Cruz, 48, who hosted the Food Network show “Calorie Commando,” was arraigned Monday on the charge.

Santa Monica police say he offered money to several homeless men for the slaying.

Cruz’s Food Network show focused on converting fattening dishes to low-calorie versions that retained the same taste.

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