The man accused of shooting a Brevard County Sheriff's deputy during a prostitution sting last week appeared in court for the first time Wednesday.

It was also the first day out of the hospital and right to jail for 65-year-old John Derossett, who was also shot during the gunfight with deputies.

Derossett was led inside the courtroom by wheelchair, shackled and bandaged from the gunshots he took from deputies last Thursday night.

"Judge, he is present, but I'm waiving his appearance for medical reasons," his attorney Steve Henderson told the court.

Prosecutors agreed with the decision to take Derossett back for medical care.

The judge held him without bond on three counts of attempted first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer.

"It's the State Attorney's Office hope that it doesn't get any more serious than it is," prosecutor Gary Beatty said, referring to the condition of Agent Casey Smith.

Smith is still in critical condition after several surgeries.

Investigators say Agents Smith, Jason Roberts and Peter Stead arranged to meet a woman for sex at this Covina Street home -- part of an investigation involving prostitution complaints.

When Stead met Mary Ellyn Derossett at the door as a prospective customer, they say her uncle, John Derossett, began firing on the agents -- striking Agent Smith several times.

Derossett was hit in the gunfire exchange. The other two agents went to help Smith, dragging him to safety.

Investigators say Smith and Roberts arrested Mary Ellyn Derossett back on July 20 for solicitation for prostitution.

John Derossett has no prior record in Florida. The charges in this case could put him behind bars for the rest of his life.

His next court appearance is October 1.