DeCoatsworth sentenced to 18 months' probation

Richard DeCoatsworth, the Philadelphia police officer lauded as a hero in his rookie year when he was shot in the face while trying to apprehend a suspect, was sentenced Monday to 18 months' probation for a misdemeanor assault conviction involving an ex-girlfriend.

In addition to the sentence, Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Ehrlich ordered DeCoatsworth, 28, to get counseling and issued an order barring him from contact with Sadie Martinez, 29.

The sentence capped seven tumultuous years since DeCoatsworth was celebrated after suffering a shotgun blast to the face. He was invited to sit with Michelle Obama during President Obama's first address to Congress.

But problems plagued DeCoatsworth on and off duty, and he retired on disability in 2011.

Defense attorney L. George Parry said DeCoatsworth would try to get his probation transferred to Florida, where he intends to work in a no-kill animal shelter.

"He always loved dogs and animals," Parry said.

In November, a jury acquitted DeCoatsworth of the more serious charge of aggravated assault and a count of reckless endangerment in connection with a predawn argument on May 9, 2013, in the Port Richmond rowhouse he and Martinez shared. But the jury convicted DeCoatsworth of one count of simple assault.

Assistant District Attorney James Stinsman could not be reached for comment.

The assault on Martinez occurred as DeCoatsworth's life seemed to be spinning out of control. Lasting pain from the shotgun injury led to an addiction to prescription painkillers and then to heroin.

In May 2013, he was charged with rape, drug offenses, and kidnapping involving what prosecutors alleged was his association with two prostitutes. He spent almost 16 months in prison with multimillion-dollar bail awaiting trial - a conviction could have put him in prison for life - before the District Attorney's Office decided the women were not credible and withdrew all charges.

Parry said he believes DeCoatsworth was suffering for years from post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from the 2007 shooting.

"I think in large part, the counseling will be beneficial for him," Parry added.