Puka Nacua Likely to Avoid Criminal Charges
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua appears to be on track to avoid criminal charges stemming from an incident where he allegedly bit a woman on New Year’s Eve.
A representative from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office mentioned on Monday that, following an investigation, prosecutors have decided not to pursue charges against Nacua at this time. This relates to accusations made by Madison Atiabi regarding an altercation between the two during celebrations on December 31.
According to Ivor B. Pine, this case has been referred to a City Attorney hearing, which serves as a pre-petition diversion process available for certain individuals rather than moving directly to misdemeanor prosecution.
“While no charges have been filed currently, the case remains open during the statute of limitations and could be revisited if new information comes to light,” Pine added.
The City Attorney hearing, as described on the City Attorney’s Office website, is an informal method meant to find alternatives to prosecuting misdemeanors.
The goal is to find solutions for situations where a crime may have occurred, but prosecution doesn’t seem fitting. This might mean informing the accused about the nature of the alleged crime and what serious repercussions could follow if similar actions recur.
Earlier this year, prosecutors began looking into Nacua after Atiabi accused him of engaging in aggressive behavior while they were out with friends.
In a lawsuit filed by Atiabi in March, she alleges that Nacua made offensive remarks during dinner and later bit her on the shoulder while traveling in a van.
Nacua’s attorney acknowledged that his client did bite Atiabi but insisted it was in the context of playful behavior. He firmly rejected any claims that Nacua made anti-Semitic comments. It was also revealed that Nacua entered a rehab facility following the incident.
Atiabi’s civil lawsuit against Nacua remains active.
Attempts to obtain comments from Nacua’s attorney regarding the latest updates were unsuccessful.
Atiabi’s lawyer, Joseph Kerr, expressed that both he and his client feel validated by the decision made by the prosecutors.
“This counters the misleading narrative that Nacua and his management tried to circulate before he entered a drug and alcohol rehab,” Kerr stated. “While the city’s proceedings don’t equate to formal criminal charges, they hold significant implications, especially for high-profile athletes like Nacua, who are in their prime.”
“City Attorney hearings differ from civil cases, and we cannot influence how they operate. My client means no harm to Ms. Nacua but expects the City Attorney to treat the situation seriously, as she plans to pursue her civil claims through the ongoing litigation process.”
