‘Orange Is the New Black’ Star Dascha Polanco Battles Assault Charges

Dascha Polanco was reportedly arraigned Thursday in Manhattan Criminal Court, after being accused of punching and scratching a teenage girl.

Dascha Polanco Faces Assault Charges

Polanco, 33, plays Dayanara Diaz on the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, an inmate at Litchfield Penitentiary who carries on a torrid affair with a guard.

Polanco was reportedly arrested July 29 after she allegedly attacked 17-year-old Michelle Cardona.

Court papers filed by the district attorney’s office say the attack happened inside Polanco’s upper Manhattan apartment, adding that Polanco punched the teen several times, pulled her hair and scratched her.

According to law enforcement sources, Polanco had invited Cardona to her apartment via text message, though it is unclear what led to the alleged beating.

Polanco’s attorney, Gerald Lefcourt, says the accusation is an attempt to extort money from the actress and is confident the charges will be dismissed.

Polanco’s next court date is Jan. 28.