EXCLUSIVE: Claire Sinclair Cannot Drop Charges Against Marston Hefner, Pasadena Police Say

Claire Sinclair reportedly indicated to TMZ.com that she will drop charges against Hugh Hefner's oldest son, Marston Hefner, in her alleged assault. But authorities in California say they will pursue those charges with or without cooperation from the 2011 Playboy Playmate of the Year.

"She cannot just drop the charges. The state does the prosecution," Lt. Phlunte Riddle of the Pasadena Police Department told The Huffington Post.

Earlier today, 20-year-old Sinclair told TMZ.com that, while she does not condone domestic violence, she would drop the charges if Hefner apologized.

"That is why I will not press charges against Marston Hefner if he keeps his word to give a public apology for physically abusing me on several occasions, and seeks psychiatric help for his anger issues," Sinclair said, according to the celebrity gossip website.

According to Riddle, the state does not need Sinclair to prosecute Hefner.

"Obviously the court wants the cooperation of the victim, but because of issues of intimidation and women feeling powerless, the state of California can pursue the case [with or without her]," Riddle said.

Marston Hefner, 21, was arrested on Sunday night for allegedly attacking Sinclair. Sources told TMZ.com that Hefner punched and kicked Sinclair, leaving her with bruises and red marks.

TMZ.com has also released an exclusive photo (pictured above) of the injuries they claim Sinclair suffered during the alleged assault.

Hefner has denied the charges and was released Monday on a $20,000 bond.

According to Riddle, Sinclair has obtained an emergency restraining order against Hefner.

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF CLAIRE SINCLAIR:

Comments

[Veronica Pate]

10:27 AM on 02/21/2012

Playmate of the year who is in bed with the publishers son has NO SELF WORTH....... go figures.

[zoebliss]

11:52 AM on 02/20/2012

she's going through stockholm syndrom. she is being ptotective of her abuser despite the fact that he tortures her. he probably tells her that he physically hurts her out of love & she believes him. she needs therapy & he needs to be locked up.

[pphhrogg]

05:47 PM on 02/17/2012

Wrong. She CAN drop the charges, and without HER testimony, the "state" doesn't have any case.

[Djay0252]

09:04 AM on 02/18/2012

In my state there is such a thing as probabal cause where the police can step in and charge the abuser with the crime of violence whether the victim presses charges or not.. Victims are constantly being coerced into dropping charges so he can go out and do it again. I think YOU are wrong in this case.

[Cayita]

08:25 PM on 02/18/2012

You are wrong! Domestic Violence cases do not requiere the victims "permission" to go to trial. In many jurisdiccions, the agressor is arrested even if the victims denies the assault (as long as police believes that an assault has happened).

[dbrett480]

12:54 PM on 02/17/2012

While it is true that she cannot drop charges, district attorneys will typically not seek prosecution on DV cases with uncooperative victims.

[quiltchase]

12:28 PM on 02/17/2012

She must have been attracted to his personality.

[Stephanie Serer]

10:37 AM on 02/17/2012

Wow this guy is ugly. I doubt she's with him for his looks.

[50 000 000 light years]

08:22 PM on 02/16/2012

Google "Tex Watson"

He was Charles Manson's right hand man, convicted of 7 counts of first degree murder.

Click on the second photo from the left. Marston Hefner has a twin.

[zorak609]

06:53 PM on 02/16/2012

yeah now shes gonna write a book and talk to oprah

[towny]

01:41 PM on 02/16/2012

I would need to pop a a KNOCK OUT PILL to sleep with him or his father!

[Grinling Gibbons]

06:39 PM on 02/16/2012

Agreed. Not a handsome young man.

[nanaofmysky]

07:51 PM on 02/15/2012

How stupid can she get? This oviously is not the first time. This abuser needs to go to jail. Wanting him to apologize is not going to change a thing.Once an abuser always an abuser. He needs jail time! But daddy has money so it will probably not happen. This guy looks like a serial killer in training.

[mcinnisja]

05:12 PM on 02/15/2012

Her name means 'bright without bright'

[mdipary2004]

05:07 PM on 02/15/2012

This is a case of Domestic Violence death resulting

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/10/jodi-arias-death-penalty_n_1269216.html

[50 000 000 light years]

04:54 PM on 02/15/2012

Just look at this guy. I'm absolutely certain that he is going to kill someone. I've never been surer of anything in my life.

[zorak609]

06:54 PM on 02/16/2012

hahahahahaha

[aphextwin07]

04:08 PM on 02/15/2012

he needs to be locked up, obviously

[50 000 000 light years]

03:35 PM on 02/15/2012

This guy is only a few banjo lessons away from a re-make of Deliverance.