PA State Police Corporal Stole Heroin, Used At Work: Officials

HARRISBURG, PA — A Pennsylvania State Police Corporal is facing drug and theft charges after authorities said he stole heroin from an evidence room and used while working.

Brian Rickard, a corporal for Troop R in Honesdale, was charged Friday with crimes related to obtaining possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, forgery, tampering with records and evidence, theft, obstructing administration of law and unlawful use of a computer.

He has been suspended without pay.

Charges were filed by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division in conjunction with the Office of Attorney General.

Authorities say Rickard, an 18-year employee of the State Police, stole the heroin from the Troop R evidence room and took it while at work and home. He used work computers and programs to cover up the thefts, according to information from the Pennsylvania State Police.

Rickard faces the following charges: Obstructing administration of law or other governmental function; forgery-alter writing; tampering with records or identification; tampering with or fabricating physical evidence; theft by unlawful taking or disposition-movable property; criminal use of a communication facility; unlawful use of computer and other computer crimes; acquisition or obtaining possession of controlled substance by misrepresentation; use of, or possession with intent to use, drug paraphernalia.