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

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- New court filings reveal that the late Raymond "R.C." Horsch reached an agreement with federal prosecutors in 2012 that helped him avoid the prospect of a 15-year prison sentence.

The filings show Horsch, who has been linked to several missing women, provided information to federal prosecutors in exchange for a reduced sentence. The records have prompted questions about the agreement and what prosecutors knew about Horsch at the time.

READ MORE | Timeline of investigation into missing women connected to Horsch Philly house

The disclosure comes after The Philadelphia Inquirer filed motions earlier this month seeking to unseal records connected to Horsch's 2010 federal drug case.

What information Horsch provided to investigators remains unclear.

Horsch was indicted on charges related to a marijuana growing operation involving more than 100 plants at his Chalfont home and also faced firearms charges.

Defense attorney Bill Brennan said plea deals and cooperation agreements with federal prosecutors are common.

"I don't see the government as being nefarious here in any way whatsoever. This is normal stuff," Brennan said.

SEE ALSO | Former police chief recalls 2009 arrest of R.C. Horsch, man linked to Olney home investigation

In its response to requests to unseal the case records, the U.S. Attorney's Office did not oppose the release of most documents but objected to the unsealing of the sentencing transcript and another sentencing-related motion.

Although Horsch is deceased and would not face harm from the release of the records, Brennan said the documents could contain other sensitive investigative information.

Court filings stated that Horsch "did not offer testimony against any criminal defendant."

"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 to this day," Brennan said.

A judge sentenced Horsch to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release in the case.

It remains unclear when a ruling will be issued on the sealed court records.