Sexual assault lawsuit against Jerry Jones dismissed
DALLAS (AP) -- A judge threw out a sexual assault lawsuit filed against Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Thursday, saying the claims were barred by Texas law limiting the time in which a case can be filed.
Jana Weckerly had accused Jones of grabbing her genitals and forcibly kissing her in 2009. Weckerly also alleged an attorney for Jones took a memory card with photos and destroyed it, and that she was paid hush money for several years after the incident. Jones denied the allegations.
State District Judge Dale Tillery ruled that the allegations, even if true, fell outside the five-year statute of limitations for civil sexual assault cases.
Tillery's order also redacted certain allegations made by Weckerly in court filings, and it banned attorneys on both sides from discussing the case with the media even after its dismissal.
Weckerly's attorney, Thomas Bowers, said his client did not receive any money from Jones or the Cowboys as part of the case ending. He declined to comment further.
An attorney for Jones, Levi McCathern, said in an email that Weckerly's allegations were false and that he was pleased with Tillery's order. McCathern was also sued by Weckerly.
Bowers argued in court last month that Weckerly's case wasn't past the deadline because she was receiving payments and feeling pressured not to report the alleged incident. But McCathern denied that any payments were made to Weckerly and said that even if they were at first, Weckerly could not have felt pressure for several years afterward not to go to authorities or file a lawsuit.
-
2024 NFL mock draft: 4 QBs in top 5, 4 receivers in first 10 picks
5 Bold Predictions for 2024 NFL Draft: Texas DT Byron Murphy a top-10 pick
The art of NFL Draft misdirection: How teams use subterfuge to hide their plans
-
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: Date, time, how to watch, TV channel
2024 NFL Draft: 5 QBs drafted, Jets add Bowers in Nick Wright's final mock draft
What are Cowboys’ best options at QB if Dak Prescott leaves?
-
2024 NFL Draft odds: Jayden Daniels' second pick odds shortening
Emoji-Gate not enough to scare Commanders off Jayden Daniels
USC's Caleb Williams says he's a 'big fan' of Washington WR Rome Odunze
-
2024 NFL mock draft: 4 QBs in top 5, 4 receivers in first 10 picks
5 Bold Predictions for 2024 NFL Draft: Texas DT Byron Murphy a top-10 pick
The art of NFL Draft misdirection: How teams use subterfuge to hide their plans
-
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: Date, time, how to watch, TV channel
2024 NFL Draft: 5 QBs drafted, Jets add Bowers in Nick Wright's final mock draft
What are Cowboys’ best options at QB if Dak Prescott leaves?
-
2024 NFL Draft odds: Jayden Daniels' second pick odds shortening
Emoji-Gate not enough to scare Commanders off Jayden Daniels
USC's Caleb Williams says he's a 'big fan' of Washington WR Rome Odunze