# All Charges Against Jussie Smollett Dropped. Er, updated tried and sentenced **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 26, 2019, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562 "2019-03-26T15:28:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/81 "2019-03-27T17:13:55Z")
This one is from WGN. [https://www.google.com/amp/s/wgntv.com/2019/03/27/chicago-police-release-jussie-smollett-case-files/amp/](https://www.google.com/amp/s/wgntv.com/2019/03/27/chicago-police-release-jussie-smollett-case-files/amp/) ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/82 "2019-03-27T18:14:13Z")
Smollett and his legal team appear to be utterly without shame: > [@](#): > > [Jussie Smollett’s attorney speaks with @GStephanopoulos about whether or not the “Empire” star will sue.](https://twitter.com/GMA/status/1110869768343425024) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/83 "2019-03-27T18:20:13Z")
Normally the police and prosecutor work closely together. I watch the First 48 and the Detectives often call the DA to discuss a case they’re working. Especially when they need a warrant. It’s part of doing business. It doesn’t make sense that they didn’t meet and discuss why charges were dropped. At least then the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department and Mayor wouldn’t be left with egg on their faces. Maybe there’s a reason not to say anything publicly but you don’t pull this crap on city officials. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/84 "2019-03-27T18:37:22Z")
The DA has tried to say this was some kind of deferred judgement, except it wasn’t deferred, he hasn’t admitted guilt (and publicly claims innocence), and he hasn’t done any community service. Since the charges have already been dropped I don’t see how they can make him do the community service either, it’s not like it’s been ordered by a judge. And I don’t see any reason he won’t go after that bond money either (or the bondsman who probably put it up and shouldn’t have to waste his time trying to collect it from Smollett). There have been calls for a federal investigation here, sounds like a good idea, but is probably a waste of time. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/85 "2019-03-27T19:01:45Z")
Total bullshit. It’s possible they were concerned that Smollett’s attorneys could make a case that the jury pool was tainted by the press conference given by the police captain…that’s the only reason, aside from bribery, that I can come up with. I hope the feds charge him. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/86 "2019-03-27T19:29:29Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > You can take Chicago fearing a media circus of a trial off the table. Chicago doesn’t mind those. Former governors, current governors, aldermen, actors, singers, Chicago tries em all. But… > [@aceplace57](#): > > The entire case seemed to hinge on the Osundairo brothers testimony. [He can’t do it alone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrDlxQNS4rI). ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/87 "2019-03-27T21:14:25Z")
> [@Enola\_Gay](#): > > Total bullshit. It’s possible they were concerned that Smollett’s attorneys could make a case that the jury pool was tainted by the press conference given by the police captain…that’s the only reason, aside from bribery, that I can come up with. I hope the feds charge him. And the Feds should at least open an investigation into Foxx, as well. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/88 "2019-03-27T21:31:31Z")
The Chicago Police released their documents due to a FOIA request from media outlets. They are claiming they read the court order as only pertaining to the grand jury testimony. The prosecutors office jumped all over it and said it covers everything. Chicago PD: Oops Now Foxx is peddling some bullshit like this is business as usual. It is certainly not. Now I did not expect him to do any jail time. I expected a plea bargain to drop some of the charges and to suspend sentence with community service. But that only ever comes after an admittance of guilt. [https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-jussie-smollett-chicago-police-investigation-20190327-story,amp.html](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-jussie-smollett-chicago-police-investigation-20190327-story,amp.html) ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/89 "2019-03-27T21:54:56Z")
Smollett’s attorney says they are [weighing their options](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6856591/Smolletts-attorney-says-theyre-weighing-sue.html) on whether to sue the city of Chicago & it’s police department. I actually hope they do. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2019, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/90 "2019-03-27T23:37:29Z")
FBI is looking into the dropping of charges. I’m not sure they’ll get anywhere. Still, I’m glad it’s being investigated. > **[Jussie Smollett update: FBI reviewing circumstances of Jussie Smollett's...](https://abc7chicago.com/amp/jussie-smollett-update-mark-geragos-jessie-smallette/5219838/)** > > The FBI is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of criminal charges against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett, two law enforcement officials confirmed. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/91 "2019-03-28T00:09:49Z")
At first I was irked by Smollett, but I gotta say I’m enjoying the outrage. All these people who don’t say shit about the disgusting things Trump has done are losing their minds over some two-bit actor and his ridiculous scam. Boo fucking hoo. I drink a toast to you commitment to justice. Families destroyed by our vile immigration policy? Silence. Jussy fucking Smollett? Waaaaaah. Sláinte. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/92 "2019-03-28T00:56:25Z")
Looks more and more like money talks and bullshit walks. > [@BlankSlate](#): > > At first I was irked by Smollett, but I gotta say I’m enjoying the outrage. All these people who don’t say shit about the disgusting things Trump has done are losing their minds over some two-bit actor and his ridiculous scam. Boo fucking hoo. I drink a toast to you commitment to justice. Families destroyed by our vile immigration policy? Silence. Jussy fucking Smollett? Waaaaaah. Sláinte. People can complain about more than one thing at a time. And some of us are kind of “Trumped out”, if that makes sense. Sometimes it’s nice to concentrate on something small. Chill. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/93 "2019-03-28T01:06:42Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Looks more and more like money talks and bullshit walks. So Jussie is walking and talking. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/94 "2019-03-28T01:12:11Z")
[CWBChicago](https://www.cwbchicago.com/2019/03/kim-foxx-says-smolletts-sweetheart-deal.html) is reporting this deal is NOT SOP, despite Foxx’s claims. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/95 "2019-03-28T01:19:16Z")
They also[requested files](https://www.cwbchicago.com/2019/03/exclusive-chicago-police-departments.html) from the Chicago PD, which were apparently submitted within 24 hours. Chicago PD is definitely not happy. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/96 "2019-03-28T01:49:54Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > They also[requested files](https://www.cwbchicago.com/2019/03/exclusive-chicago-police-departments.html) from the Chicago PD, which were apparently submitted within 24 hours. Chicago PD is definitely not happy. I think they would be thrilled. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/97 "2019-03-28T02:18:05Z")
Are hate crimes are Federal crimes? If so, are false reports of hate crimes Federal crimes? ---
**Author:** ![sps49sd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@sps49sd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sps49sd)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/98 "2019-03-28T06:51:28Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > At first I was irked by Smollett, but I gotta say I’m enjoying the outrage. All these people who don’t say shit about the disgusting things Trump has done are losing their minds over some two-bit actor and his ridiculous scam. Boo fucking hoo. I drink a toast to you commitment to justice. Families destroyed by our vile immigration policy? Silence. Jussy fucking Smollett? Waaaaaah. Sláinte. Many people are outraged by all of the above. I’m not sure if anything you posted relates to whether Smollett is a lying piece of shit. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/99 "2019-03-28T06:54:21Z")
(AP) Actor William Allen Young, who starred as Dr. Rollie Guthrie on the CBS medical drama _Code Black_, appeared onstage in a community college production of _Treasure Island_ in 1976, TMZ reports. The play, based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel of the same name, includes a character named Captain Smollett. The character’s surname was pronounced “SMOLL-ett” in the play, in direct contradiction to how Jussie Smollett prefers his name to be pronounced (Smoll-ETTE). Chicago Police detectives are investigating this development, and there is speculation that an arrest is imminent. DISCLAIMER: TMZ did not really report this. Also, the AP byline is made up, as well as the part about the Chicago Police Department. The rest is totally true. ---
**Author:** ![MarvinKitFox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@MarvinKitFox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MarvinKitFox)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2019, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/100 "2019-03-28T07:07:30Z")
According to abc7chicargo: "On Wednesday, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx defended her office’s decision to drop all charges against Smollett, who was accused of staging a racist and homophobic attack on himself. “I believe this is a just outcome based on the circumstances,” Foxx said. Foxx said that the practice of dropping charges in exchange for community service and restitution is not uncommon for the Class 4 felonies that Smollett was charged with. " This quite clearly shows that he\*\*\* did do it\*\*\* and paid the “fine” in the same way one pays a fine for a traffic violation to avoid going to court. OK, i did not know that one could null out 14 _felony_ charges with a fine, but that’s another matter… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562.md?page=6)