NEW CARLISLE — A local couple is in federal custody, accused in a murder-for-hire plot. Federal prosecutors say the woman offered an undercover agent $200 and a swimming pool to kill her ex-boyfriend.

An FBI spokesperson called this case unique.

"We've never heard of something like this before," said Cynthia Yates, spokeswoman.

The FBI said it has spent two weeks building a case against 30-year-old Heidi L. Friedburg and her current boyfriend, 31-year-old William C. Alexander, both of New Carlisle.

According to a criminal complaint, Friedburg first expressed that she wanted her ex-boyfriend killed around June 19.

Agents said Friedburg confided in a co-worker. Messages were sent using the social networking site MySpace.

Starting June 19, Friedburg sent a message to a friend. She said "get rid of someone 4 me."

The friend alerted the FBI.

Investigators began intercepting messages sent from Friedburg, including a follow-up message explaining why she wanted the ex-boyfriend killed.

"He's going to take me to court for a DNA test to try and take my child," said Friedburg.

During correspondence, Friedburg indicated she didn't care how the murder was committed, just as long as the crime didn't get traced back to her.

"You decide how, but make sure he is dead by accident so it doesn't come back to me," Friedburg said via text.

"There were a lot of details that had to be worked out before the case came to a conclusion," said Yates.

Some of the details included the price.

In a recorded phone call, police say Friedburg pondered whether $200 was sufficient.

"Is two [hundred dollars] OK or was he thinking more?" she said.

The criminal complaint explained Friedburg stated she was going to withdraw $200 from a casino "or something" because then they would be able to explain that they lost the money while "playing the slots, you know, whatever."

She then joked, "We're not going to write you a check or give you a credit card."

After the price was settled, Friedburg and Alexander disassembled the pool.

On Monday, July 6, the couple made their way to meet the hitman.

"Friedburg and Alexander both arrived at the predetermined location in Lansing, Illinois," said Yates. "Following orders, they met with undercover agents and provided photos of the target and his current address."

After sitting in the car with the agent, the criminal complaint said the agent questioned whether Friedburg was sure she wanted him to carryout the hit on her ex-boyfriend.

"Yes," Friedburg replied.

"This is serious, there's no backing off," the agent then told Friedburg.

The complaint said Friedburg nodded her head.

After exiting the truck, she made her way back to her pickup to open the tailgate to unload the pool.

That's when police arrested the couple.

The couple was charged earlier this week. Their next court appearance is Thursday.

If found guilty, both Friedburg and Alexander face up 10 years in prison.