Mayor and police superintendent accused of hypocrisy in Smollett case

The move brought an end to a case that has played out in the national media for months. It has placed Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx under fire and generated negative publicity for her mentor, mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle. She faces a tough runoff race to become Chicago’s first Black female mayor.

But the fallout from the case is also generating support for Ms. Preckwinkle.

Ms. Foxx angered the Fraternal Order of Police despite recusing herself from the case after a former aide to Michelle Obama emailed and texted her. The aide expressed concern that the police department was leaking details of the story to the press.

Now, the FOP is requesting a federal investigation into Ms. Foxx’s role in a case where a Black man with a clean record was accused of a non-violent crime. Ms. Foxx said she played no role in the decision and that it was routine handling of what was a high profile case. Mr. Smollett performed 16 hours of community service at Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Push headquarters and forfeited a $10,000 bond when charges were dropped March 23. He did not admit guilt and has maintained his innocence.

An incensed mayor demanded that the Empire star pay $130,000 back to the city for charges occurred during the investigation and President Trump threatened to have the FBI look into the case but there didn’t appear to be any reason for federal authorities to get involved.

But March 28, legal counsel for the city sent Mr. Smollett’s lawyer a letter asking for $130,160.15 in restitution. It charges “false statements” by the actor cost the city resources and hurt confidence in the criminal justice system. It demands payment in seven days and threatens Mr. Smollett with prosecution from the Department of Law, a fine of no less than $500 and a maximum of $1,000, “plus up to three times the amount of damages the city sustains as a result of the violation.” The city says it spent more than $150,000 on the case.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *