legal news

Orange Is the New Black Star Dascha Polanco’s Assault Charges Were Dismissed by DA’s Office

NFL Unveils Super Bowl 50 Bespoke Designer Footballs In Collaboration With CFDA
Dascha Polanco’s not wearing orange. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

You may remember when Orange Is the New Black star Dascha Polanco was accused of punching, scratching, and pulling the hair of 17-year-old Michelle Cardona, who was visiting Polanco’s Manhattan home. Well, those charges have been dropped, and the DA dismissed the case due to “lack of stating the truth and relevant evidence.” Lack of truth and evidence seems like a good reason to leave something alone. According to Polanco’s lawyer, Gerald B. Lefcourt (who puts the “court” in being a lawyer, heh), Cardona was merely extorting the actress. Here is a statement by Lefcourt:

“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. It is clear to us that the so-called victim was motivated by the prospects of a payday. She devised a plan to have Ms. Polanco pay her to withdraw the charges, which was furthered by a campaign of harassment directed at Ms. Polanco and her family and jeopardized their safety. Fortunately, we had irrefutable evidence of the complainant’s misdeeds on tape, including her extortion attempts, which was provided to the District Attorney’s Office.”

Guess Polanco won’t be wearing orange anytime soon —  assuming she follows the rules and stays trouble-free for six months, the charges will be permanently expunged.

Dascha Polanco’s Assault Case Dismissed