Shelter Hearing Held For Broward Man Accused Of Plotting To Kill Family

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - The Dania Beach dad accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill family members was back in court on Friday afternoon.

Jason Simione, 39, who is being held on a $5 million bond in the alleged murder-for-hire plot, appeared at a shelter hearing before Judge Hope Tieman Bristol.

Simione is accused of trying to hurt his baby boy.

In court, he politely answered questions from the judge.

"The state can terminate your rights, do you understand that," asked the judge.

"Yes ma'am," Simione replied.

"Do you have any questions?"

"No ma'am," said Simione.

The judge decided Simione's estranged wife can continue caring for their child.

She set his arraignment for September 12 before Judge Miranda.

Simione's wife, Megumi who was in the courthouse chose to stay outside the hearing room.

"We have an open investigation into the allegations. The child will stay with the mother for now.  The purpose of the hearing is to make sure the child is safe," said DCF spokeswoman, Paige Patterson-Hughes.

Simione has been in jail since mid-August when he was arrested over stunning allegations that he wanted to kill family members.

When a SWAT team executed a search warrant at his Dania Beach home, they reported finding 68 rifles, shotguns, and handguns..

Simione is also accused of beating his dog.

Simione and his wife are going through a bitter divorce and he has asked for full custody of his son

His lawyer has said the allegations are overblown and he would never try to hurt his own child.  Simione is still trying to get his five million dollar bond reduced.