Judge Orders Special Prosecutor to Examine Jussie Smollett Probe
Judge orders special prosecutor to examine #JussieSmollett probe https://t.co/lkcPHlUCgc pic.twitter.com/owHaoYV445
- Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 21, 2019
A judge appointed a special prosecutor Friday to investigate the decision by Cook County prosecutors to dismiss all charges against actor Jussie Smollett, who was accused of lying to the police by claiming he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in downtown Chicago in January.
Cook County Judge Michael Toomin suggested that the county's state's attorney, mishandled the case by appointing a top aide to oversee it after she recused herself.
The judge said he had no problem with the February recusal, but that it should have included a request for a special prosecutor to take over the case.
The prosecutor has been under fire for her handling the investigation, including from the Chicago Police Department and the former mayor.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter tweet The Hollywood Reporter