Prescott Cleared of Civil Claims Amidst Ongoing Legal Battles
In a significant development, months after Dallas police decided not to proceed with any criminal charges, a Collin County judge has cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations made against him. The accusations trace back to 2017, involving claims of sexual assault that Prescott consistently denied.
The situation took a notable turn when it was revealed that the accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. This detail raised questions about the motives behind the allegations and intensified the scrutiny of the case.
In March, the accuser formally filed a report with the Dallas Police Department, prompting Prescott to take legal action of his own. He filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser, asserting a case of extortion. The legal tussle saw further complications when, in April, the accuser’s attorney withdrew a lawsuit in Dallas County only to file a similar one in Collin County.
Fast forward to June, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims, marking a pivotal moment in the legal saga. The Dallas Police Department concluded their investigation, finding insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott. This conclusion was echoed by Prescott’s attorney, Levi G. McCathern, who stated, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
The series of events led Prescott to file a substantial civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, accusing the accuser of extortion. Documents revealed that in January, the accuser’s attorney had sent a letter suggesting she would drop her pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million, further complicating the narrative of the case.
Looking ahead, a September hearing is scheduled to determine whether legal action against the accuser is necessary. As it stands, Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser’s suit alleging extortion are set to continue their clash in civil court in Collin County. The accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves open the possibility of refiling the case in Dallas County, indicating that the legal battles are far from over.
Prescott’s legal team has not minced words in defending their client. McCathern stated, "The original lies by [the accuser], her team, and their recent failed attempt to sue him civilly are all just a continuation of their extortion plot against Dak." He further commented on the broader implications, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Prescott himself has maintained a confident stance throughout the ordeal. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he said. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Prescott has made it clear that the allegations have no basis, stating simply, "Has nothing to do with it."
The situation is particularly poignant as Prescott has recently become a father to a baby girl. McCathern noted, "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault." This personal development adds another layer to Prescott’s visible determination to clear his name entirely.
McCathern expressed confidence in the legal process, stating, "We are confident that at the end of law enforcement's investigation into the extortion case that they will find the accuser and her attorneys just as guilty as Dak is innocent." He stressed that Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual sexual conduct, underscoring the harm caused by false accusations. "To be clear, Mr. Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual, sexual conduct with anyone. Lies hurt. Especially, malicious lies. We will not allow the Defendant and her legal team to profit from this attempt to extort millions from Mr. Prescott," McCathern concluded.
As Prescott moves into the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, the resolution of these legal challenges will undoubtedly be pivotal. The ongoing legal battles serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and ramifications of high-profile accusations, both on and off the field.