Months after the Dallas Police Department decided not to proceed with charges against him, a Collin County judge has now cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations made against him.
The saga began in 2017 when Prescott faced accusations of sexual assault. The accuser initially demanded $100 million in exchange for not taking the matter to the police. She eventually filed a report with the Dallas Police Department in March, but the police concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations.
Prescott responded by filing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser, citing extortion. In April, the accuser's attorney dropped a lawsuit filed in Dallas County, only to refile a similar one in Collin County. Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in June, marking a significant turning point in the case.
The allegations have undoubtedly weighed heavily on Prescott. In the midst of multiple legal proceedings, Dallas-based attorney Levi G. McCathern voiced confidence in Prescott's innocence. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," McCathern stated.
McCathern contended that the accuser's actions were part of an ongoing scheme. "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 said. McCathern also expressed concern over the broader impact of such false accusations, noting, "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 remains steadfast in his defense. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," Prescott declared, refuting the allegations. He emphasized that his actions were solely about clearing his name. "Has nothing to do with it," Prescott added, indicating his personal commitment to justice rather than any external pressures.
As Prescott navigates the turbulent waters of litigation, McCathern reaffirmed his client's empathy for survivors of sexual assault, highlighting that Prescott is a new father to a baby girl. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern remarked. This personal detail adds another layer to Prescott's stance against the false accusations.
The legal clash is far from over. Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser's allegations of extortion continue head-to-head in civil court in Collin County. A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is necessary. Meanwhile, the accuser's motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves open the possibility of refiling the case in Dallas County.
McCathern remained optimistic about the outcome of ongoing investigations. "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 asserted. He added, "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 Prescott prepares to enter the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, clearing his name remains paramount. The legal battles may continue, but for now, Prescott can take solace in the dismissal of the civil claims against him and the support of his legal team and family.