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HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Corporal Brian Rickard was charged on Friday, November 12 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. 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.

Corporal Rickard is accused of stealing heroin from the Troop R, Honesdale evidence room, ingesting it while at work and home, and using work computers and programs to cover up the thefts.

The following felony and misdemeanor charges were filed in District Court 22-3-02:

• Obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, 18 Pa. C.S. §5101
• Forgery-alter writing, 18 Pa. C.S. §4101(a)(1)
• Tampering with records or identification, 18 Pa. C.S. §4104(a)
• Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, 18 Pa. C.S. §4910(1)
• Theft by unlawful taking or disposition-movable property, 18 Pa. C.S. §3921(a)
• Criminal use of a communication facility, 18 Pa. C.S. §7512(a)
• Unlawful use of computer and other computer crimes, 18 Pa. C.S. §7611(a)(2)
• Acquisition or obtaining possession of controlled substance by misrepresentation, 35 Pa. C.S. §780-113(a)(12)
• Use of, or possession with intent to use, drug paraphernalia, 35 Pa. C.S. §780-113(a)(32)

Corporal Rickard enlisted in the PSP in November 2003 and graduated as a member of the 115th cadet class. He is assigned to the Troop R, Honesdale Criminal Investigation Unit as a supervisor. Corporal Rickard has been suspended without pay under the Governor's Code of Conduct and the Confidence In Law Enforcement Act.