Ex-Pa. officer once hailed as hero faces charges

May 18, 2013

A former Philadelphia police officer once hailed as a hero and given a seat next to the first lady at a speech by President Obama has been arrested and charged with rape and other crimes.

Authorities allege that former officer Richard DeCoatsworth left a party with two females early Thursday and took them to another location, where they allege he produced a handgun and forced them to use narcotics and engage in sexual acts.

A police spokeswoman said the victims called police and the 27-year-old DeCoatsworth was charged with rape, sexual assault, terroristic threats and related offenses.

A listed number for DeCoatsworth had been disconnected; it was unclear whether he had an attorney.

WCAU-TV, which first reported the arrest, said DeCoatsworth retired from the force on disability in 2011.

RELATED

Sea turtle comeback in a corner of the Caribbean

Image: Sea turtle comeback in a corner of the Caribbean

Villages in Trinidad embrace threatened sea turtles, spark tourist boom

Boston police, city to review bombings response

Boston police chief says department, mayor's office to review response to marathon bombings

Cannes helps actors Bejo and Rahim cross borders

Image: Cannes helps actors Bejo and Rahim cross borders

For Berenice Bejo and Tahar Rahim, Cannes success leads to careers without borders



COMMENTS

Sign in with your favorite social network and tell us what you think.
Your coments will be posted below and may be used on the show.

comments powered by Disqus

Copyright © 2013 Channel One, LLC. All rights reserved.