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A $52 million false arrest, civil extortion and malicious prosecution lawsuit filed by an attorney against former Caroline County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tony Spencer was settled last week, with Spencer issuing a public apology for his actions in a widely publicized courtroom altercation and the behind-the-scenes legal intrigue that followed.

The suit filed last August against Spencer and John Mahoney, who succeeded Spencer as Caroline’s chief prosecutor this past winter, was dismissed against Spencer on May 18 in federal court under terms of a settlement that attorneys for both parties say is confidential. But on Thursday, the attorneys released a joint statement with an apology by Spencer:

“I apologize to Melissa Danjczek for my conduct on May 15, 2015, both in the courtroom and later when I procured a warrant for her arrest,” the statement says. “I regret my actions and would like to apologize to Mrs. Danjczek for any embarrassment that I may have caused her. I have no challenge to her character and fitness to practice law.”

Reached later Thursday, Spencer issued another statement. He said he was pleased with the dismissal of the lawsuit, which involved a scuffle in General District Court over possession of a guide that instructs prosecutors on how to handle DUI cases.