The former "Calorie Commando" TV chef has pleaded no contest to charges in California that he hired homeless men in a failed attempt to kill his wife.
Los Angeles County prosecutors say 48-year-old Juan Carlos Cruz entered the plea Tuesday to solicitation of murder. He faces up to nine years in state prison when he is sentenced in December.
A count of attempted murder will be dismissed.
Cruz was arrested in May by Santa Monica police after a homeless man reported being offered $500 to kill Cruz's wife, Jennifer L. Campbell, who is a 47-year-old attorney.
Police say they set up a sting operation and videotaped Cruz arranging the killing with several homeless men.
Cruz hosted the "Calorie Commando" show on the Food Network that ended four years ago. He published a cookbook.