New York City – The Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced on Wednesday that Orange Is the New Black actress Dascha Polanco will have assault charges against her dismissed on the condition that she stays out of trouble with police for six months.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, as Polanco has no prior criminal record and that this appears to be her first contact with the criminal justice system, she was offered what is called an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, which means the charges will be formally dropped if Polanco remains out of trouble for six months.
Polanco also agreed to sign an order of protection, complying that she will steer clear of the teenager.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office says prosecutors consulted the teenager she allegedly assaulted before presenting the deal to the actress.
Charges against Polanco
Polanco, 33, who plays Dayanara Diaz on the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black, was accused of assaulting Michelle Cardona, a then 17-year-old girl inside her upper Manhattan apartment back in July 2015. Cardona is now 18 years old.
Polanco denied the assault allegation. Her lawyer, Gerald Lefcourt, called the accusation an extortion attempt.
Now, Polanco’s attorney says he presented evidence to the D.A.’s office demonstrating that the charges were false.
“From the start, Ms. Polanco has denied the allegations and we have said that the charges should be dismissed. We are pleased that after a thorough investigation and review of the actual evidence, the District Attorney’s Office has done the right thing and agreed to dismiss the case against Ms. Polanco.” attorney Gerald B. Lefcourt said in a statement to PEOPLE.
Source: People