The Chicago Police Department just held a news conference during which they explained how Jussie Smollett went from a victim of a hate crime to a criminal defendant. During the news conference they gave us a play-by-play on who the CPD was able to bust this case wide open and identify who the fake attackers were and how they eventually charged Jussie.
Chicago Police Chief:
“I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention…Mr. Smollett is the one who orchestrated this crime and he has to be held accountable for what he did...it's just despicable."
Jussie was indicted and arrested late Wednesday after and now faces up to three years in prison for “disorderly conduct” and filing a false police report.The men who staged the so called “attack” on Jussie told Grand Jurors that the Empire star hired/paid them for the attack and even rehearsed with them prior to it taking place.
Jussie's attorneys, Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson, have released the following statement:
"Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense."