‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ Personality’s Rape Case Dropped by DA
“It is now clear that Mr. Bernback should have never been arrested and charged,” attorney for reality TV personality says
Tim Kenneally | May 1, 2018 @ 1:40 PM
Last Updated: May 1, 2018 @ 3:10 PM
A businessman who was featured on the Bravo reality show “The Millioinaire Matchmaker” was cleared Tuesday, after being charged with rape.
Michael Leslie Bernback’s attorney, Blair Berk, told TheWrap in a statement that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has chosen to drop the charges against Bernback.
Berk added that Bernback, who maintained his innocence “from the start,” will “attempt to regain his reputation and put this terrible ordeal behind him.”
“Michael Leslie Bernback was vindicated today when the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office asked the Court to dismiss all charges against him. Mr. Bernback maintained his innocence from the start. His attorneys presented evidence to prosecutors that contradicted the claims of his accusers and requested that the Los Angeles District Attorney undertake a thorough re-examination of the case, initially investigated by the LAPD,” Berk’s statement read.
“It is now clear that Mr. Bernback should have never been arrested and charged. Moving forward, Mr. Bernback will attempt to regain his reputation and put this terrible ordeal behind him,” Berk continued.
Bernback was charged in 2015 with a total of eight felony counts, including one count each of sexual penetration by a foreign object; attempted sodomy by use of force; forcible rape; forcible oral copulation; rape by use of drugs; rape of unconscious person and two counts of administering drugs to commit rape.
Bernback, of Sherman Oaks, California, was accused of sexually assaulting three women between March 2014 and August 2015.
District Attorney’s office spokesman Ricardo Santiago told TheWrap, “Today, during a preliminary hearing setting date in the case of Michael Leslie Bernback … prosecutors announced they would be unable to proceed with the preliminary hearing. The defense moved to have the case dismissed and the court granted the request.”
11 Reality Stars Who Have Had Legal Trouble (Photos)
Cesar Millan, "Cesar 911" "Dog Whisperer" star Cesar Millan was investigated by L.A. County Animal Control when a complaint of animal cruelty was made against his dog psychology center in Santa Clarita, California, in March 2016.
Getty Images
Austin "Chumlee" Russell, "Pawn Stars" Austin Russell, aka Chumlee, was arrested in March 2016 when officers found marijuana, methamphetamine and a weapon in his possession while executing a search warrant for an alleged sexual assualt.
Kim Richards, "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Former child star and "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum Kim Richards had multiple run-ins with the law since her stint on the Bravo reality show ended. Richards was arrested in August 2015 after being caught shoplifting more than $600 worth of goods from a Los Angeles Target.
Caitlyn Jenner, "I Am Cait" "Keeping up With the Kardashians" and "I Am Cait" star Caitlyn Jenner faced possible manslaughter charges following an car accident in February 2015 that resulted in the death of 65-year-old Kim Howe. Ultimately, prosecutors decided not to press criminal charges.
Getty Images
Teresa and Joe Giudice, "Real Housewives of New Jersey" Teresa Giudice and her husband Joe pled guilty to 41 counts of financial fraud in March 2014, leading the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star to spend 11 months in federal prison.
Richard Hatch, "Survivor" After winning the first season of CBS' "Survivor," Richard Hatch served 51 months in federal prison for tax evasion in 2006. He served another nine months for failing to amend his tax returns as ordered by the court.
Getty Images
Abby Lee Miller, "Dance Moms"
In October 2015, "Dance Moms" instructor Abby Lee Miller was indicted on charges of bankruptcy fraud after allegedly attempting to hide income when filing a Petition to Reorganize in 2011.
Joshua Tel Warner, “Deadliest Catch” One of the cast members of Discovery's popular series "Deadliest Catch," Joshua Tel Warner was arrested in December 2009 for a string of three bank robberies in the Oregon area.
Michael Skupin, “Survivor” In February 2016, "Survivor" alum Michael Skupin was arrested on possession of child pornography during an investigation into a Ponzi scheme in which he was allegedly involved.
Khloe Kardashian, "Keeping up With the Kardashians" In March 2007, Khloe Kardashian, one of the stars of E!'s "Keeping up With the Kardashians," was arrested for driving under the influence. She later served three hours of jail time for violating probation.
Billy and Joshua Brown, “Alaskan Bush People” Billy Brown and son, Joshua "Bam Bam," Brown were sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying on Permanent Fund dividend applications in January 2016.
Discovery
1 of 12
From “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Milan and Austin “Chumlee” Russell of “Pawn Stars,” to “Real Housewives” star Teresa Giudice, 11 reality TV alums who’ve had run-ins with the law