Prescott Cleared of Civil Claims in Sexual Assault Allegations
Months after the Dallas police decided not to proceed with any charges, a Collin County judge has exonerated Dak Prescott of all civil claims tied to longstanding sexual assault allegations. This decision marks a significant turn in a complex legal saga that dates back to 2017.
In 2017, Prescott was accused of sexual assault, triggering a series of legal battles. The accuser initially sought $100 million from Prescott in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. Despite the hefty demand, Prescott chose to confront the allegations head-on.
In March, the accuser formally filed a report with the Dallas Police Department. In response, Prescott filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser, accusing her of extortion. In April, the accuser's attorney dropped the initial lawsuit filed in Dallas County but subsequently lodged a similar complaint in Collin County.
However, by June, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser's claims. This dismissal came on the heels of the Dallas Police Department’s conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott. The ruling effectively cleared Prescott of all civil liabilities associated with the case.
Legal Battles Continue
While the civil claims have been dismissed, the legal battles are far from over. Prescott has filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. Additionally, a hearing is slated for September to determine whether further legal action against the accuser is warranted.
Furthermore, the accuser's attorney left a procedural door open by filing a motion for a "non-suit without prejudice." This legal move allows the case to potentially be refiled in Dallas County, keeping the legal drama alive.
Levi G. McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, was unabashed in his public statements regarding the proceedings. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," McCathern stated.
McCathern didn’t mince words, attributing malicious intent to the accuser and her legal team. "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 asserted. He emphasized the broader societal impact, adding that "these ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Prescott’s Perspective
Prescott himself has maintained a steadfast position throughout this ordeal. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he declared. His confidence was echoed by his legal representative, who affirmed, "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 also touched on Prescott’s personal life, portraying him as a family man and empathetic individual. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern noted, underpinning Prescott’s commitment to justice and integrity.
The cocktail of legal accusations and counter-accusations continues to brew, with Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser's extortion claims poised to clash in civil court in Collin County. In a telling statement, McCathern expressed confidence in the ultimate resolution of the extortion investigation. "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 stated.
Career Impact
This legal turbulence arrives as Prescott gears up for what could be a pivotal season. Entering the final year of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, Prescott's on-field future is as much under scrutiny as his off-field battles. Despite the distractions, Prescott remains focused on his professional responsibilities and aspirations.
As this intricate legal saga continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: both sides are resolute in their stances. For now, Prescott has emerged with a significant legal victory, but the broader narrative is still evolving. The upcoming hearings and potential legal actions suggest that this story is far from reaching its final chapter.