Dan Price Cleared of Sexual Assault Allegation as Prosecutors Drop Rape Charge in California

Business Icon Once Celebrated for Generous Pay Policies Sees Second Set of Allegations Dismissed

Dan Price, the founder of Seattle-based credit card processing company Gravity Payments, is no longer facing a rape charge after California prosecutors officially dismissed the case earlier this week. Known for his widely publicized decision to set a $70,000 minimum salary for his employees, Price has been a polarizing figure—lauded for progressive workplace ideals yet shadowed by persistent misconduct allegations.

Rape Charge Withdrawn by Prosecutors

In September 2024, a grand jury in Riverside County, California, indicted Dan Price on a single charge of raping an unconscious person. The charge stemmed from an April 2021 incident that allegedly took place in Palm Springs. However, court documents show that on Tuesday, prosecutors moved to dismiss the charge, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed.

A spokesperson for the Riverside County District Attorney's Office stated, “Our office thoroughly reviewed all available evidence and, after careful consideration, has determined that we are unable to pursue charges against Mr. Price.”

Attorney Claims Complete Vindication

Vicki Podberesky, Price’s attorney, said in a public statement that the decision to drop the case followed the presentation of new evidence to the District Attorney’s office after the grand jury indictment.

“Dan has never wavered in asserting his innocence,” Podberesky said. “There was not a shred of credible evidence that Dan did anything wrong, and the dismissal of these charges was the only just result.”

She added that prosecutors confirmed in court that the charge would not be refiled.

Accuser Voices Disappointment

The woman who accused Price, Kacie Margis, addressed the court in a written statement expressing frustration and sadness over the outcome.

“They believed me,” she wrote, referencing the grand jury. “But now I sit here watching that same man walk free again.”

Margis added, “I hope this court recognizes the strength it takes to survive something like this – to speak out, to relive it over and over and still stand tall.”

Not the First Dropped Case

This is not the first time Dan Price has faced, and ultimately avoided, legal consequences over allegations of misconduct. In 2022, he was charged with misdemeanor assault in Seattle after a woman claimed he forcibly kissed her and grabbed her neck. Those charges were dropped a year later due to what court records called “proof issues.”

These legal troubles coincided with growing scrutiny of Price’s public persona. Once hailed as a modern workplace hero, former employees later painted a different picture—alleging a culture of fear, manipulation, and self-promotion.

A Return to Gravity Payments

Amid mounting controversy, Price resigned as CEO of Gravity Payments in 2022. However, he returned to the company in May 2024, stating at the time that he was eager to contribute again after taking time to address personal matters.

Following the dismissal of the latest charges, Price issued a statement saying, “Now that this chapter is behind me, I am re-doubling my efforts to serve Gravity Payments, the other companies I’m involved with, and my community.”

Legacy of a Complicated Public Figure

Dan Price first rose to global prominence in 2015 when he announced he would take a drastic pay cut to raise all employees at Gravity Payments to a $70,000 minimum salary. His decision was both praised as revolutionary and criticized as a publicity stunt.

Though he inspired many with his seemingly selfless leadership style, reports in recent years—including accounts from former employees—suggested that the image Price projected did not match reality. Some insiders described the company as more focused on maintaining Price's public image than supporting workers in meaningful ways.

As he attempts to rebuild his reputation, the recent legal developments mark a new chapter for Price—one where he may again try to reassert his influence in both the business world and the social media sphere.

Conclusion

The dismissal of the rape charge against Dan Price ends one of the most serious legal challenges he has faced to date. While he has not been found guilty of any criminal offense, public scrutiny remains. Whether Price can reclaim his once-admired status—or whether the controversies will define his legacy—remains to be seen.