- The Washington Times - Wednesday, April 13, 2016

A Florida prosecutor has declined to pursue charges of simple battery filed against Donald Trump’s campaign manager for allegedly manhandling a female reporter at a press conference, according to reports.

The decision not to prosecute Corey Lewandowski is expected to be announced on Thursday afternoon by Palm Beach County State Attorney David Aronberg, according to a report by Politico citing sources.

Mr. Aronberg could not be reached for comment.

He previously pointed out to the news outlet that Jupiter police had a low probable cause standard to cite Mr. Lewandowski for battery, but the decision to move forward in court rested with his office, which had to consider whether a crime occurred and whether a Florida jury would likely convict.

The decision would end a major distraction to the Mr. Trump’s front-running campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.

The charges filed March 29 against Mr. Lewandowski were a blow to Mr. Trump’s run, and the real estate mogul has vehemently defended his campaign manager.

The charge was filed in Jupiter, Florida, where the incident occurred at Trump International Golf Club.

The misdemeanor charge stems from a March 8 incident at a Trump press conference where Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields claimed that during a scrum, Mr. Lewandowski grabbed her by the arm and tried to throw her to the ground.

Ms. Fields reportedly showed police bruises on her arm that were consistent with being grabbed.

The crime of simple battery in Florida is defined as any actual and intentional touching or striking of another person that is nonconsensual or has the intention of inflicting bodily harm to another person.

Breitbart management did not support Ms. Fields when she first made the accusations, prompting her and several top staffers and editors at the conservative news site to resign.

Ms. Fields could still pursue a defamation case against Mr. Lewandowski, according to the report.

• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.

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