Ex-TV chef pleads not guilty to plot to hire homeless people to kill his wife

Ex-TV chef pleads not guilty to attempted murder

LOS ANGELES — Former “Calorie Commando” TV chef Juan Carlos Cruz pleaded not guilty Monday to charges involving an alleged plot to hire two homeless men to kill his wife.

Unshaven and in handcuffs, Cruz, 48, entered the pleas to charges of attempted murder and solicitation of murder during his arraignment in Superior Court.

The former Food Network host could face life in prison if convicted.

Bail was set at $2 million, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 23.

Cruz was arrested Thursday after a homeless man contacted Santa Monica police.

“Calorie Commando” detailed ways to convert fattening dishes to low-calorie versions that retained the same taste.

Food Network said it had no comment because Cruz has not been under contract for a number of years, and the network had no current relationship with him.

Cruz is also a co-author of a cookbook focused on sustainable weight loss.