Ex-news anchor’s charges reduced

updated 6:36 p.m. ET Feb. 25, 2008

NEW YORK - A former Philadelphia TV news anchor accused of hitting a New York police officer left court a free woman Monday after a judge said she will dismiss newly reduced charges if the defendant behaves for six months.

Charges against Alycia Lane, 35, were downgraded to misdemeanors after prosecutors said scratches on the female officer's face weren't serious enough to warrant felony assault charges.

Lane's lawyer David S. Smith denied she hit the officer early Dec. 16.

A police complaint said she put a video camera in the face of another officer as he tried to put a drunk person in a taxicab. When the female officer intervened, Lane identified herself as a reporter and cursed at her, the complaint said.

Lane then hit her in the face, causing two lacerations and swelling, according to the complaint.

"Alycia has maintained, and continues to maintain, that she is innocent of this charge," Smith said as he, Lane and Philadelphia radio personality Chris Booker left court.

Criminal Court Judge Dina Douglas told Lane her case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal, meaning if she isn't arrested in the next six months for any reason the charges will be dismissed.

‘I'm so glad it's over’
"I just want to say I'm so glad it's over, and I want to thank all those who supported me," Lane said outside court.

Lane also made news in May 2007 in reports that she e-mailed bikini snapshots of herself to a married NFL Network anchor, Rich Eisen. And she tearfully discussed her divorce on the "Dr. Phil" show.

Lane was fired Jan. 7 from Philadelphia's KYW-TV and said she is unsure about her next career move.

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