FBI Reviewing Circumstances Of Jussie Smollett’s Charges Being Dropped
The FBI is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Empire star Jussie Smollett’s sixteen counts of felony disorderly conduct charges.
Two law enforcement officials confirmed the news yesterday (Mar. 27), notes ABC 7 Chicago.
On Tuesday (Mar. 26), Smollett’s charges were dropped in exchange for community service and forfeiture of the actor’s $10,000 bond payment.
The actor was charged for allegedly lying to the police about an alleged hate crime attack that involved two masked men.
Yesterday, Smollett’s hearing to expunge his record was postponed.
The Chicago Police Department released the investigative file records of the case in response to a Freedom of Information Act request yesterday.
Earlier today, CPD began responding to document requests in reference to the closed case of Mr. Smollett. We were then advised of a court order prohibiting such release & this afternoon, we received the formal directive which stipulates that no further records can be released. pic.twitter.com/SkNXuERBZT
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) March 28, 2019
According to CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, CPD didn’t realize that the records were part of a judge’s order from Tuesday to seal all criminal records related to the case.
CPD stopped the release of other documents once they realized that the records were part of the judge’s order to seal.
Yesterday (Mar.27), Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx stood by her office’s decision to drop all charges against the actor-singer.
“I believe this is a just outcome based on the circumstances,” Foxx said.
The state attorney said that it’s not uncommon for charges to be dropped in exchange for community service and restitution in Class 4 felonies.
Glennisha Morgan is a Detroit-bred multimedia journalist and writer. She writes about intersectionality, hip-hop, pop culture, queer issues, race, feminism, and her truth. Follow her on Twitter @GlennishaMorgan
