By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News
(CHICAGO) — A Cook County judge Friday ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor who will investigate the decision by State’s Attorney’s office to drop all charges against actor Jussie Smollett.
Judge Michael Toomin says State’s Attorney Kim Foxx had the right to withdraw from the prosecution but not to appoint her top deputy to handle the case.
This after former state appellate Judge Sheila O’Brien pushed for a special prosecutor arguing that Foxx’s actions created “a perception that justice was not served here, that Mr. Smollett received special treatment.”
Foxx released a statement today saying, ” I’m pleased that the court agreed there was no conflict of interest here. Regarding recusal, I followed the advice and counsel of my then-chief ethics officer. In any event, I respectfully disagree with the court’s conclusion that, in the absence of any conflict, the appointment of a special prosecutor is required.”
The special prosecutor could end up charging Smollett as well as others if the investigation uncovers wrongdoing. A separate investigation has been ongoing by the Cook County Inspector General’s Office.
Foxx’s office dropped all charges against Smollett in late March after he was charged with staging an attack on himself.
Copyright 2019 WLS-AM News
