'Orange Is The New Black' Actress Faces Assault Charges

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Is this a case of life imitating art?

One of the stars of  the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black'' is facing assault charges.

Dascha Polanco was arraigned Thursday in Manhattan Criminal Court. She  is accused of punching and scratching a teenage girl.

Court papers filed by the district attorney's office say the attack on 17-year-old Michelle Cardona happened inside Polanco's upper Manhattan apartment on July 29. They say Polanco punched the teen several times, pulled her hair and scratched her.

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

Polanco, 33, plays inmate Dayonara Diaz in the prison drama.

Her next court date is Jan. 28.

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