Months after Dallas police decided not to press charges, a Collin County judge has officially cleared Dak Prescott of civil claims related to sexual assault allegations made against him. The allegations date back to 2017 when Prescott was first accused of sexual misconduct, leading to a series of legal battles and public scrutiny.
A Legal Odyssey
The accuser initially sought a stunning $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. This allegation took a formal turn in March when the accuser filed a detailed report with the Dallas Police Department. As a defensive measure, Prescott filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser, marking the beginning of a contentious legal battle.
In April, the accuser’s legal team dropped a lawsuit in Dallas County, only to refile a similar one in Collin County. As the legal wrangling continued, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in June, bringing temporary respite to Prescott. The Dallas Police Department also concluded its investigation, determining there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against the star quarterback.
Prescott, resolute in his stance, filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. Throughout these tumultuous months, Prescott maintained his innocence and expressed confidence in the legal filings made on his behalf.
Accusations of Extortion
In January, the accuser’s attorney sent a letter offering to drop the criminal charges in exchange for $100 million. This dramatic twist has been described by Prescott’s legal team as part of a broader extortion scheme. Levi G. McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, was vocal about the ongoing ordeal, stating, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
McCathern added, "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 saga doesn’t seem to be concluding anytime soon. A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal actions against the accuser are warranted. Meanwhile, both lawsuits continue to clash in civil court in Collin County, taking a toll on all parties involved.
Continued Legal Battles
Though Judge Tucker dismissed the accuser’s civil claims, she filed a "non-suit without prejudice," signifying that she could refile the case in Dallas County. Despite these ongoing legal battles, Prescott remains focused on his career and his forthcoming responsibilities on the field. The quarterback is entering the final season of a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, a critical juncture in his athletic career.
Through his attorney, Prescott expressed empathy for genuine survivors of sexual assault while condemning the baseless allegations made against him. McCathern voiced, "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault."
Maintaining Innocence
Dak Prescott has maintained his innocence throughout this ordeal. "I know the truth," Prescott said. "I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed."
Refuting the claims with conviction, Prescott stated, "Has nothing to do with it." His attorney further iterated, "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 this legal drama unfolds, the public remains eager to see the final resolution. McCathern remains steadfast, declaring, "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." For now, Prescott prepares to move forward, focusing on his career and personal life amid ongoing legal challenges.