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Alleged Attacker of Actress Pauley Perrette Charged on Two Counts

Assault occurred on attacker's birthday.

A man was charged Monday in connection with a reported attack on "NCIS" actress Pauley Perrette, the LA County District Attorney's Office announced.

David Merck, 45, is charged with one felony count each of making a criminal threat and false imprisonment by violence. Merck pleaded not guilty to both charges and remains in custody in lieu of $100,000, according to online jail records.

If convicted, Merck faces up to four years in state prison.

NBC4 has attempted to determine if Merck is represented by legal counsel, but that information was not immediately available.

Merck, born on Nov. 12, 1970 allegedly grabbed Perrette and proceeded to punch her in the face and nose as she was walking near her home around 5 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 12. She pleaded with him to stop but he continued assaulting her before he eventually stopped and told her to leave.

Perrette detailed her attack on Twitter, and provided officers with a composite sketch of the man, leading to his arrest.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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