Deputies: Inmate offered $15,000, car for hitman to murder child victim

A man has been arrested for a bizarre murder for hire plot involving a girl detectives say he allegedly sexually molested years ago.

“This is a worthless human being,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “He is as bad of an individual and as mean of an individual as they come.”

Detectives say 26-year-old Richard Palmer was arrested in 2013 ago for molesting an 11-year-old girl.

After making bond, he took off to Ohio where investigators eventually found him and brought him back to Florida.

While in the Polk County jail, detectives say he hatched a plan to kill his alleged victim, who is now 16 years old, as well as her mom and aunt.

According to the investigation, Palmer asked a cellmate if he knew anyone who could kill the three woman.

Palmer said the payoff would be worth it: $15,000 and a sports car. He also wanted the house burned down to hide the evidence.

Instead of making a connection for Palmer, the other inmate reported the plan to authorities.