Jussie Smollett Facing Federal Investigation After Hoax Charges Dropped
Former Cook County prosecutor Andrew Weisberg says star isn't out of woods
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Even though 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett had criminal charges relating to an alleged racist hoax crime dropped earlier this week, the star could still face civil lawsuits and federal in connection to the scandal.
The Cook County State's Attorney suddenly dropped all 16 felony counts against Smollet on Tuesday.
The things may be far from over for the Empire star.
The legal repercussions stemming from the case could prove ongoing.
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Former Cook County prosecutor Andrew Weisberg speak to Fox News, said that the speed in which Smollett's charges were dropped where unusual.
"It was such a quick turnaround. Pretrial diversions are usually a year long, and this happened so quickly," Weisberg said.
Weisberg added he was baffled by the proceedings.
"I figured they had a plea agreement and I was shocked when I heard the dismissal," he admitted.
"I can't figure it out. I don't think it's anything corrupt or anything terrible — but it's an unusually great outcome for [Smollett]."
Weisberg then said the best-case scenario for similar false police reports he worked in is the defendant will get deferred prosecution.
But in most cases, a defendant may be sentenced to probation and pay a fine to cover the city's estimated expenses.
#JussieSmollett made a surprise visit to the Criminal Court building in #Chicago today. Reps for his legal team say there will be a “huge” announcement at about 1045am. pic.twitter.com/njriIPfASx
— Rafer Weigel (@RaferWeigel) March 26, 2019
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Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is also said to be outraged of the news of Jussie Smollett's charges being dropped.
According to sources from CBS, reporter Charlie De Mar claimed that Johnson is “furious.”
“He had no heads up this was going to happen,” De Mar said.
“I can tell you that Chicago Police are furious over State Attorney Kim Foxx’s decision to drop all charges against Jussie Smollett,” added Rafer Weigel of Fox Chicago.
Last month, Chigaco Police indicted Smollett on felony charges for faking his own "racist and homophobic attack," after two brothers gave statements confessing they were paid to stage the incident.
The 36-year-old star was charged with disorderly conduct for providing a false statement to police and could be facing up to three years in prison if he's convicted.
