Chagra's downfall began in February 1979 when he was arrested on trafficking charges. He was scheduled to appear before United States District Judge John Wood, a judge nicknamed "Maximum John" who had a reputation for giving out the maximum sentence allowed for drug-related crimes. Chagra faced a possible life sentence without parole if convicted and reportedly feared he would receive a life sentence, according to prosecutors. Chagra attempted to bribe Judge Wood for "$5 million or 10 million". Facing life for smuggling, Jimmy Chagra allegedly decided to have the judge killed.