2 men accused of trying to kill poker host with rattlesnakes

[Fonzi]

Two Colorado men allegedly tried to use rattlesnakes as deadly weapons to collect on a debt, have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, authorities said.

The men were allegedly trying to kill Matthew Sowash, owner of Amateur Poker Tour, because he owed them $60,000 (?44,600), Jim Shires of the Jefferson County Sheriff's office said. Sowash's company stages Texas Hold'em-style poker games in Denver area bars, according to arrest affidavits.

The plan was to build a wooden box to hold the snakes and "the lid was to be built to allow Sowash's legs to be put inside but not pulled out."

Sowash contacted the Colorado Bureau of Investigation after getting threatening e-mails.

"The final and most disturbing method to Steelman was Beck wanting to kidnap Sowash's children and use them as leverage to get the money from Sowash," according to the affidavits.

Bail for each suspect was set at $500,000 (?372,000) on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping and extortion.

Herbert Paul Beck, 56, was arrested Thursday and Christopher Lee Steelman, 34, was arrested Wednesday.