Chesco Heroin Dealer, Girlfriend Charged In 'Murder For Hire' Plot: DA

WEST CHESTER, PA — An accused Chester County heroin dealer and his girlfriend allegedly hired a hitman to kill a man they believed was cooperating with police, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office. The "hitman," however, was an undercover officer, and the targeted victim was not injured.

Christopher Pickard, 29, of State College, who was already booked at Chester County Prison on heroin dealing charges, has been charged with conspiracy, solicitation to commit murder, and related counts.

His girlfriend, Latrice Harrington, 27, of State College, faces similar charges.

Pickard was originally arrested when police found 813 baggies of heroin in his car in Charlestown Township on Aug. 3, the DA said. The passenger in the car at this time was the man who Pickard would eventually target.

Pickard began suspecting that this man was cooperating with police, and authorities were able to sneak him a phone number for a "hitman," who was actually an undercover agent.

Pickard then worked closely with Harrington to offer the hitman $2,000 and an ounce of heroin to kill the intended victim, according to the DA.

The pair shared the victim's social media sites with the hitman, and told him a good time of day for the murder, the DA said.

Harrington then provided the hitman with a sawed-off shotgun and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

The undercover agent returned to Harrington and told her the target was dead.

"He's dead...the dude's gone and he's not breathing and he's out of the state many states away."

"Alright, that's good news," Harrington said, according to a criminal complaint. "Thank you so much for that.

Anyone who has additional information about Pickard or Harrington should contact Chester County Detective Keith Cowdright at 610-344-6866.

Images via Chester County District Attorney's Office