Montco Man Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

UPPER DUBLIN TOWNSHIP, PA — A Dresher man is in custody after being charged in a murder-for-hire plot to kill three people in New York, authorities said.

Eric Berkowitz, 41, of Upper Dublin Township, faces charges, including three counts of Criminal Solicitation for Murder and three counts of Attempted Murder, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said.

On Tuesday, township resident Steven Luker told Upper Dublin Township Police that Berkowitz had offered him $5,000 to murder three people in New York.

Berkowitz reportedly provided names, addresses, a Mac 11 firearm, and a "burner" cellphone for communications. The intended targets were Berkowitz’s former girlfriend and two men she had dated since their relationship ended, authorities said.

Upper Dublin Township Police and Montgomery County Detectives worked with Luker to conduct a recorded conversation with Berkowitz, in which he confirmed the plan to travel to New York and meet near one of the intended targets' homes. Berkowitz also stated that he would "take care of the girl himself," authorities said.

Berkowitz was arrested by police as he was leaving his home and entering an Uber vehicle. The vehicle was stopped, and Berkowitz was taken into custody, authorities said.

At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a duffel bag that contained a black Masterpiece Arms Grim Reaper firearm with a loaded magazine of 9mm rounds, cocaine, and a large sum of cash. The Uber driver informed police that Berkowitz's destination was Endicott, New York, the address of his former girlfriend.

Berkowitz is also charged with three counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person and Person Not to Possess a Firearm. Magisterial District Judge Christopher J. Cierski declined to set bail, and Berkowitz was sent to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20.