Judge Orders Independent
Investigation of Jussie Smollett Case Judge Michael Toomin has appointed a special
prosecutor to investigate charges against Smollett. The prosecutor will also investigate
Kim Foxx’s decision to drop felony
charges against Smollett. Foxx, the state attorney for Cook County,
abruptly dropped all 16 felony counts
against Smollett in March. Smollett had been accused of staging a
racist hate crime against himself in January. Judge Toomin has ruled that the decision
to drop the case raised “problematic concerns.” He also said Foxx did not follow
proper procedure and should not
have had authority over the case. Judge Toomin hopes the appointment of an
independent counsel will “restore the public
confidence" in Chicago's criminal justice system. This decision does not mean Smollett will
automatically face charges, but his case could
be reopened if “reasonable grounds exist.”