The attorney for a former Philadelphia police officer once hailed as a hero but now charged with rape and aggravated assault says his client has been mistreated since his arrest last month.
The Philadelphia Daily News reports defense attorney L. George Parry told a Philadelphia judge at a bail hearing Monday that Richard DeCoatsworth is being held in isolation, he isn't getting his mail and guards have been "punitive."
DeCoatsworth, 27, had a court hearing Monday afternoon after he requested to have his $60 million bail reduced. However, Common Pleas Judge Charles Ehrlich postponed the ruling on the request to June 17.
During the hearing, DeCoatsworth's attorney claimed his client wasn't allowed to wear clothing his first week at a detention center, is being housed in isolation and was called a "dirty rapist" by a female prison guard who refused to feed him, according to the Daily News.
DeCoatsworth is facing several charges including rape and aggravated assault.
Authorities allege DeCoatsworth left a party with two females and took them to another location last month. They allege he produced a handgun and forced them to engage in sexual acts. DeCoatsworth's attorney declined to discuss details of the case.
DeCoatsworth was hailed as a hero after being shot in the face during a September 2007 traffic stop and chasing after his attacker. He was invited to attend President Barack Obama's February 2009 address to Congress and sat with first lady Michele Obama.
