Jussie Smollett has officially been arrested after he was charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report earlier this week. According to Chief Communications Officer of the Chicago Police Department Anthony Guglielmi, the Empire actor turned himself in on Thursday.
He was brought in at around 5 a.m. local time and is scheduled for a bond hearing at 1:30 p.m.
“Jussie Smollet [sic] is under arrest and in custody of detectives,” the Chicago Police Department tweeted.
“At 9am at #ChicagoPolice Headquarters, Supt Eddie Johnson, Commander of Area Central Detectives Edward Wodnicki will brief reporters on the investigation prior to the defendant’s appearance in court.”
He was charged as a suspect following claims he was a victim of a racist and homophobic hate crime on Wednesday, February 20.
“Felony criminal charges have been approved by @CookCountySAO against Jussie Smollett for Disorderly Conduct / Filing a False Police Report,” Anthony tweeted on Wednesday.
“Detectives will make contact with his legal team to negotiate a reasonable surrender for his arrest.”
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Jussie’s attorneys released a statement on his behalf and maintain his innocence.
“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,” they said.
“Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.”
If found guilty, he faces up to three years in prison, as this is a felony charge.
Countless reports in recent days claim Jussie staged the attack along with the two brothers who were brought in as suspects last week.
However, Jussie maintains his innocence and says he is still a victim.
What are your thoughts on this case? Can you believe it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
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