Dane Accused in Plot to Kill Landlord Is Sentenced

A Danish businessman accused of plotting to kill a business acquaintance was sentenced to probation Friday in a plea deal with prosecutors, who said there were evidence problems with the case.

Flemming Larsen, an owner of a candy factory in his native Denmark, pleaded guilty to solicitation of assault and attempted extortion.

Charges of solicitation for murder were dropped in exchange for a sentence of five years’ probation and credit for the 151 days he has served in jail. He had faced a maximum of 12 years in prison if convicted on all counts, according to his lawyer.

Authorities said Larsen, 56, owner of the defunct Danish American Farms markets in North Hills and Simi Valley, wanted to get rid of the landlord of one of his stores.

He met with an undercover police officer posing as a hit man and had “a discussion about a number of violent acts being done to the victims, business associates of the defendant’s,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Larry Diamond said. “There are legal issues as to whether or not these were preliminary discussions or reached the point of solicitation under California law.”

The extortion charges involve Larsen trying to coerce his former accountant into deeding a property to him, said Diamond, who said he thought the sentence was fair.

“Mr. Larsen and his family and I are very pleased with the disposition,” defense lawyer James Blatt said. “He’s pleased he has an opportunity to resolve the matter and go on with his life.”