Plot suspect stays in jail

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE - A judge refused over the weekend to lower the $1 million bail set for an Ohio man accused in a plot to kill two South Jersey police officers.

Citing Elvin D. Copson's criminal record - including escapes from two jails or detention centers - and history of failing to appear for court dates, Superior Court Judge Raymond Batten rejected his request on Friday.

Copson, 41, of Toledo, was charged earlier this month with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Cape May County prosecutors have said that Copson, a commercial fisherman who formerly lived in New Jersey, was hired to kill the Middle Township officers so they could not testify at an upcoming trial.

However, authorities won't say who allegedly hired Copson or provide further details about the trial. *