A sexual assault allegation against Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was thrown out Thursday as a judge concluded the claim had violated the Texas state statute of limitations of such crimes.
According to Nomaan Merchart of the Associated Press, Jana Weckerly had alleged that Jones groped her and forcibly kissed her in 2009. She also claimed that Jones had paid hush money in order to keep her quiet and not report the incident
Jones’ attorney, Levi McCathern, called the claims “completely false” and the suit a “money grab” last month.
Weckerly’s attorney, Thomas Bowers, argued that the pressure to not come forward should allow her lawsuit to still be considered timely, despite falling out of Texas’ five-year limitation on civil assault cases.
Texas State District Judge Dale Tillery disagreed and threw the case out.
Bowers said his client did not receive payment from the Cowboys or Jones as part of the case’s resolution.
