Prescott Cleared of Civil Claims Amidst Continued Legal Battles
In a significant development in the saga surrounding sexual assault allegations against Dak Prescott, a Collin County judge has cleared the Dallas Cowboys quarterback of all civil claims. The decision comes months after the Dallas Police Department determined there was insufficient evidence to move forward with criminal charges.
Allegations and Legal Maneuverings
The allegations against Prescott date back to 2017 when he was accused of sexual assault. The accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million in exchange for not taking the matter to the police. The case took a new turn in March when the accuser officially filed a report with the Dallas Police Department.
In response, Prescott didn’t just stand by idly. He filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser, alleging extortion. The legal tussle saw another twist in April when the accuser’s attorney withdrew a Dallas County lawsuit only to refile a similar complaint in Collin County. Judge Angela Tucker, however, put an end to those claims by dismissing the accuser’s allegations in June.
Police Findings and Extortion Claims
After an extensive investigation, the Dallas Police Department found no grounds to support the criminal allegations against Prescott. Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney, asserted, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
Prescott's legal team has been resolute in its stance, describing the accusations as part of an orchestrated extortion plot. McCathern emphasized, "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."
The legal narrative took another intricate turn when Prescott himself filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, accusing the plaintiff of attempting to extort him. At the core of Prescott's lawsuit is a letter sent by the accuser's attorney in January, offering to drop criminal charges in exchange for $100 million.
Prescott's attorney stressed the severity of the impact such unfounded claims have on true victims of sexual assault, stating, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Continued Legal Contests
Despite the dismissal of the civil claims, the legal confrontation is far from over. Prescott's and the accuser's lawsuits continue to clash in civil court in Collin County. The possibility for the accuser to refile the case remains, as her motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" means she retains the right to pursue the matter in Dallas County.
Looking ahead, a hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal actions against the accuser are warranted. The outcome may chart the future course of this protracted legal skirmish.
Amidst this tumultuous period, Prescott remains firm in his stance. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he stated. His lawyer added, "We are confident that at the end of law enforcement's investigation into the extortion case, they will find the accuser and her attorneys just as guilty as Dak is innocent."
Prescott, who is stepping into the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, has also expressed his empathy for genuine survivors of sexual assault. McCathern noted, "Mr. Prescott - a new father to a baby girl - has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault."
Emphasizing Prescott’s innocence and determination to clear his name, McCathern said, "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."
As the legal battles continue to unfold, Prescott remains steadfast, buoyed by the recent judicial support. The outcome of the upcoming legal proceedings will inevitably shape the narrative of this ongoing conflict.