A former Philadelphia Police officer who was once hailed a hero was sentenced for a simple assault conviction involving his ex-girlfriend Monday morning.
Richard DeCoatsworth, 28, was sentenced to 18 months probation and to go to counseling Monday following a simple assault conviction last November.
He was found not guilty of two additional charges -- aggravated assault and reckless endangerment -- at that time.
DeCoatsworth was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, 29-year-old Sadie Martinez, during an argument back on May 9, 2013.
Martinez accused DeCoatsworth of choking her and punching her in the mouth. DeCoatsworth told the jury he grabbed Martinez but accidentally hit her in the mouth as he tried to knock away a brick she was holding while he tried to enter his car.
DeCoatsworth was shot in the face during a September 2007 traffic stop. After being shot, he chased the suspect for some time before collapsing. Police say he was able to radio enough information about the shooter for other officers to nab him.
He was honored for his heroism in 2008 with a Top Cop award and sat next to First Lady Michelle Obama during President Barack Obama’s first address to congress at the U.S. Capitol.
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His reign as a top cop began to unravel in the coming years. The city has already spent at least $1.5 million defending itself against DeCoatsworth's checkered past in the department including several alleged violent incidents.
DeCoatsworth was also accused of drugging and assaulting two alleged prostitutes. He initially pleaded guilty to the charges and was later released on his own recognizance after a judge tossed out the sex crime charges.
DeCoatsworth left the Philadelphia Police force on disability in December 2011.
