The actress, who plays Dayanara Diaz on the Netflix series, was accused by her teenage neighbor of physical attack last year.
- March 24, 2016
AceShowbiz -
Dascha Polanco, best known for playing Diaz on Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black", is freed from the assault charges that her teenage neighbor had filed against her. Manhattan District Attorney's Office dismissed the case on Wednesday, March 23.
Michelle Cardona accused Polanco of attacking her in the 18-year-old's house in Upper Manhattan on July 29, 2015. In the court documents, Cardona said she was punched in her face and head several times. Polanco also allegedly scratched Cardona's arms. Polanco had denied the allegations and her lawyer presented evidence to the D.A.'s office demonstrating that the charges were false.
Investigators conducted a "thorough investigation" into the allegations while Polanco was offered what was called an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. The charges would be formally dropped if Polanco remained trouble-free for six months.
"From the start, Ms. Polanco has denied the allegations and we have said that the charges should be dismissed," attorney Gerald B. Lefcourt said in a statement to PEOPLE. "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."
