Judge to dismiss charges against ‘Pie’ star

Natasha Lyonne accused of threatening to sexually molest neighbor's dog

Paul Skipper / AP	Natasha Lyonne faces a number of charges including criminal mischief, harassment and trespassing after accusations she threatened to sexually molest her former neighbor’s dog and ripped a mirror off the wall during a 2004 argument.

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updated 7:39 p.m. ET Dec. 15, 2006

NEW YORK - “American Pie” star Natasha Lyonne, arrested after threatening to sexually abuse a neighbor’s dog, left court a free woman Friday after a judge promised to dismiss the charges against her.

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Anthony J. Ferrara said that because Lyonne successfully completed a court-ordered drug program and paid $2,000 restitution, he was sentencing her to a conditional discharge.

Assistant District Attorney Remy Taborga confirmed that Lyonne had met the conditions set by the court. The prosecutor recommended the conditional discharge, which means that if Lyonne is not arrested within the next six months, the charges will be dismissed.

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Lyonne, 27, was charged with criminal mischief, criminal trespass and harassment in December 2004 after she entered a female neighbor’s Gramercy Park apartment screaming and yelling, according to a misdemeanor complaint filed in court.

The complaint said Lyonne banged on the female neighbor’s door, entered the apartment, ripped a mirror off the wall, picked up the woman’s pooch and said, “I’m going to sexually molest your dog.”

After her arrest, Lyonne missed several court dates and the judge issued a warrant for her arrest. On Friday, Ferrara vacated the outstanding warrant.

During the Friday proceeding, drug counselor Heather Hayes from the Caron Foundation told the judge that Lyonne completed an inpatient drug program in February and was continuing to receive outpatient counseling.

“She’s done excellently, very well,” Hayes said.

Lyonne’s lawyer, Terry Karl, said in court that his client, who has also appeared “Blade,” “Scary Movie 2,” “Slums of Beverly Hills” and “Kate & Leopold,” was working again after being idle for a long time after her arrest.