Richard J. Daley Center, Chicago
Richard J. Daley Center, Chicago
Former Chicago alderman and mayoral candidate Bob Fioretti is looking for answers in the wake of all charges dramatically being dropped against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett.
“A special prosecutor is warranted in this case,” Fioretti posted to Twitter early Tuesday after prosecutors from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office made their stunning announcement. “The office has been tainted and taxpayers deserve better. There is no place for ‘rookie mistakes’ by the time one rises to the position of state’s attorney.”
Soon after Smollett was slapped with 16 charges stemming from accusations he staged the hate crime attack he reported earlier this year, State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced she was recusing herself from the case because of a conflict of interest.
Bob Fioretti
Fioretti was not alone in expressing his anger over all charges being dropped Tuesday, as Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Supt. Eddie Johnson also railed against the move.
“From top to bottom, this is not on the level,” Emanuel told reporters during a hastily called press conference.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Smollett reached a deal with prosecutors to have all the charges dropped provided he performed community service and surrendered his $100,000 bond, with the official court file being sealed.