“Troubled” Jussie Smollett Condemned by Chicago Police in Fiery Address
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Commander of Area Central Detectives Edward Wodnicki, who followed Johnson behind the lectern to run through the timeline of the police investigation, noted that authorities conducted more than 100 interviews, canvassed the area, and reviewed footage from more than 50 cameras belonging to police and private businesses. Wodnicki confirmed that the two men captured in a photo police released soon after the incident took place were the Osundairo brothers, and that police were able to track their movements both ahead of and after the incident. The two boarded a flight to Nigeria after the alleged attack—a round trip that returned on February 13, giving police roughly two weeks to investigate before their return, Wodnicki said. In the 47th hour of their interrogation of the Osundairos, police said, the brothers provided the testimony that pivoted the investigation.
The brothers were released without charges, and testified before a grand jury this week. Wodnicki described the two as “witnesses,” rather than perpetrators.
One question that remains is Smollett’s future at Fox. In a statement following the briefing, Fox said, “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.” According to TMZ , Smollett’s role on the drama has been reduced in the wake of the controversy, and on Wednesday, Variety reported that producers are considering suspending Smollett.
“Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?” Johnson wondered aloud during his address. “How could someone look at the hatred and suffering associated with that symbol and see an opportunity to manipulate that symbol to further his own public profile? How can an individual who’s been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in this city in the face by making these false claims?”
“Bogus police reports cause real harm,” Johnson continued. “They do harm to every legitimate victim who’s in need of support by police and investigators, as well as the citizens of this city. . . . I’m offended by what’s happened, and I’m also angry. I love the city of Chicago, and the Chicago police department, warts and all. This publicity stunt was a scar that Chicago didn’t earn, and certainly didn’t deserve.”
Multiple times during his address to reporters, Johnson decried the attention Smollett’s story has received on a national scale and noted the harm that false claims to police can cause. He also expressed concern that legitimate hate crimes may now face heightened skepticism. “I only hope that the truth about what happened receives the same amount of attention that the hoax did,” Johnson said. “I’ll continue to pray for this troubled young man, who resorted to both drastic and illegal tactics to gain attention. I’ll also continue to pray for our city, asking that we can move forward from this and begin to heal.”
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Statements are expected from Smollett (total vindication, no collusion) ,
the prosecutors who dropped the charges (wtf?)
and the Police Department whose spokespersons already condemned Smollet in the press, ( pretty much ruining the jury pool ).
It sounds like the state's attorney dropped the charges in spite of the evidence. I would assume there was some sort of conduct in the prosecutors office that would lead to a mistrial.
It will be interesting to watch, thats for sure.
CNN is reporting from the courthouse that the case "was to be sealed".
?
I had not thought of that. Seems plausible, now that you mention it.
I agree completely. There is certainly more to the story than we know now.
Nicely done!
Magats, the asst state's atty, said he saw no problems with the police investigation or the evidence against Smollett. The charges against Smollett were dropped in return for his agreement to do community service, he said, and for forfeiting his bond to the city of Chicago.
More from the asst state's attorney: "Here's the thing -- we work to prioritize violent crime and the drivers of violent crime. Public safety is our number one priority. I don't see Jussie Smollett as a threat to public safety."
"We stand behind the investigation, we stand behind the decision to charge him and we stand behind the charges in the case. The mere fact that it was disposed of in an alternative manner does not mean that there were any problems or infirmities in the case or the evidence."
Originally this is what I thought, that the DA just wanted to get rid of the case. Who knows? We'll see what happens.
In an interesting side note, Smollet is represented by Mark Geragos who's has been identified as an un-indicted co-conspirator in the Michael Avenatti case of the extortion of Nike.
local chicago news is reporting that the police 100% stand behind the evidence in the case
it's too bad this case has taken a disturbing turn
Patricia Holmes, the Smollett ATTY present this morning said this was a direct result of the police convicting someone in the press without allowing them their day in court.
Well, I dont know why the cops would double down if the evidence wasnt there. It sounds more like a problem inside the states attorneys office.
The police superintendent is going to give a statement in a little while so we will learn more then.
Johnson repeated his beliefs and Rob Emanuel is doubling down on the side of the Police and the Grand Jury.
"It's not on the level".
Emanuel is mad at the judge for sealing the case.
So, no plea deal, no agreement, case sealed ?
Yet the prosecutor stated that Smollet surrendered his bond ?
and also complimented Smollett's charitable giving and community service ?
Someone on CNN suggested that this is a deferred prosecution.
If Smollett stays out of trouble for 5 years the case is dismissed and expunged ?
CNN is reporting that the case is expunged and sealed, as well.
They are speculating that the 2 brothers have recanted.
They are taking bets that Smollett and Holmes. Caregos will not sue the city of Chicago for defanation.
I hope not. He's guilty.
The Smollett case was unique from the beginning. It was refreshing to see someone judged by their actions and not simply by their race or sexual orientation. Now it appears that it is simply a case of wealth and influence getting someone off the hook, in other words, nothing new.
That's good lawyering on the part of his attorney.
Mark Caregos is reported to have a working 'relationship' with Michael Avenatti.
We shall see...