Rape charges dropped against one-time hero cop Richard DeCoatsworth

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Rape charges have been dropped against one-time hero and now former Philadelphia cop Richard DeCoatsworth.

It happened during a pre-trial hearing on Monday morning.

The former Philadelphia Police officer was arrested back in May 2013 and charged with Rape, Indecent Deviant Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Assault and other offenses after authorities said he drugged and raped two women and forced them into prostitution.

In a statement, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said "After an intense follow up investigation by the District Attorney's Office it was determined there was not enough evidence to proceed to trial with the trafficking and sex crime charges against this defendant."

His tearful mother was by his side as he left court this morning, saying, "My son is home. He's beautiful, he's handsome. Thank you Jesus for bringing him home."

Earlier this year, Decoatsworth accepted a plea deal, but then withdrew the plea.

However, DeCoatsworth still faces further court action related to an alleged domestic incident involving his girlfriend.

DeCoatsworth was released on his own recognizance.

DeCoatsworth was hailed as a hero police officer after he was shot in the face during a traffic stop in September 2007 but still managed to chase after his attacker, who was later sentenced to 36 to 72 years in prison.

It was an act of valor that got him an invitation from Vice President Joe Biden to attend the president's televised February 2009 address to Congress and a seat next to First Lady Michelle Obama.

DeCoatsworth later retired from the police department on disability in December 2011.