Months after Dallas police opted against pursuing charges, a Collin County judge has now cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to the allegations of sexual assault made against him. These allegations stemmed from a 2017 accusation, wherein Prescott was accused of sexual misconduct. The case has seen a fluctuating narrative over the years, with recent legal actions taking center stage in both Dallas and Collin counties.
The accuser initially demanded a staggering $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. When the financial request was not met, a report was filed with the Dallas Police Department in March of this year. Following a thorough investigation, the Dallas Police Department concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott. Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney, remarked, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
Amidst the judicial proceedings, Prescott decided to take legal action against his accuser. He filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report, asserting that the allegations were part of an extortion scheme. The civil lawsuit Prescott filed is notably demanding over $1 million, firmly stating the grounds of extortion.
This convoluted legal battle saw another twist when the accuser’s attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit in April, only to file a similar suit in Collin County. However, in June, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the claims made by the accuser, further unraveling the case she had built. McCathern's commentary on the developments was pointed: "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."
Despite the court ruling, the legal saga is far from over. Prescott's lawsuit continues to clash head-on with the accuser's allegations of extortion in Collin County civil court. Furthermore, a hearing is scheduled for September to determine if legal action against the accuser is warranted, keeping the courtroom drama alive. It is worth noting that the accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves the opportunity open for her to refile the case in Dallas County, dragging the issue across multiple jurisdictions.
McCathern highlighted the unfortunate impact of the false allegations, emphasizing the strain and distraction they cause not only to Prescott but to genuine survivors of sexual assault: "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Prescott, visibly affected but confident in his stance, stated, "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed." His determination is evident as he faces not only the legal challenges but also the broader implications of such serious accusations on his public and personal life. Levi G. McCathern added, "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault."
As Prescott is set to enter the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, this lengthy legal battle could cast a shadow over his professional life. Nonetheless, Prescott continues to receive public statements of support from his legal team, who remain adamant about his innocence. "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," McCathern reiterated.
With the legal battle still ongoing, the case between Dak Prescott and his accuser highlights the complexities and emotional toll that such disputes can entail. "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," stated McCathern.
The saga continues to unfold, with both sides entrenched in their positions and the legal community watching closely for the next developments. For Prescott, the determination to clear his name and the fight against what he believes to be malicious lies defines his journey ahead.