Court records show Raymond Horsch cooperated with feds in 2010 drug case

Out of the new details unearthed today, shedding light on the criminal past of the man at the center of a sprawling investigation. New court filings now reveal that the late R.C. Horsch struck a deal with federal prosecutors back in 2012, avoiding the prospect of 15 years in prison. We now know that Horsch, who's been linked to several missing women, gave those prosecutors information in exchange for a lighter sentence. But tonight there are emerging questions about that agreement and what prosecutors knew about Horsch at that time. Action News investigative reporter Chad Prudelli poured through those court filings today. Chad, what did you find in there? Well, the main revelation is Horsch was a cooperating witness with the feds. Now, the extent of that cooperation and what information he did give is unclear. The court records remain sealed, but it comes after attorneys for the Philadelphia Inquirer filed motions to unseal those court records related to that 2010 drug case. What information Raymond Horsch provided to federal investigators is unclear. Horsch was indicted for a marijuana grow operation in excess of 100 plants with intent to distribute in his shell-front home. He also faced gun charges. High-profile defense attorney Bill Brennan says plea deals and cooperation with the feds is extremely common. I don't see the government as being nefarious here in any way whatsoever. This is normal stuff. In its response to unseal the drug case filings, the U.S. Attorney's Office did not oppose to most being unsealed, but did so with respect to the sentencing transcript and another sentencing motion. Horsch is no longer alive, so would not face any harm to the unsealing. But Brennan says they may have other sensitive investigative information, though the court filing revealed Horsch did not offer testimony against any criminal defendants. There may be other sensitive information about other individuals, maybe who were charged or uncharged, and or law enforcement officials that would be sensitive to this day, the release of which may be more harmful. And Brennan says it shouldn't take long for the judge to rule on those sealed filings. Now, the judge in that drug case did sentence Horsch to 54 months behind bars and three years supervised release. For now, live in the Satellite Center, Chad Prudelli, Channel 6. Another layer to the story, Chad, thank you.