“While everyone was focused on the sensationalism surrounding this case, people were not focused on the prosecutor’s constitution,” Uche said.
Smollett’s original charges were dropped almost a month after Chicago police accused him of orchestrating Hoax – only to be picked up again by a new prosecutor assigned to the case in August 2019. This past December, Smollett was acquitted. convicted of five counts of disorderly conduct. .
Known for his screen work on the television series “Empire” and his childhood role in the “Mighty Ducks” movie, Smollett – who is black and gay – claims that two masked men attacked him in January 2019. homophobic castles as they beat him, poured him bleach and put a string around his neck.
His story, however, soon began to fall apart, detectives said. Accused of giving a false police report, he initially pleaded guilty to 16 counts of disorderly conduct.
Last week, Cook County Judge James Linn ordered the actor to pay more than $ 120,000 in restitution to the City of Chicago – plus a $ 25,000 fine – and serve 30 months probation and 150 days in prison. Before delivering his sentence, the line delivered a horrific punishment, accusing Smollett – who maintained his innocence – of “throwing a national pity party for yourself.”
“You turned your life upside down through your abuse and guilt,” Linn said. “You ruined your life the way you knew it. You wanted to get attention and you were so invested in issues of social justice, and you knew this was a painful spot for everyone in this country.
Smollett’s stint behind bars would prove short-lived.
On Wednesday, the Illinois Court of Appeals ordered a stay at Smollett’s prison, pending the appeal of his sentence. The actor was required to post a $ 150,000 personal recognition bond – meaning he did not have to drop money, but agreed instead to appear in court as needed.
According to court documents, the order was granted because “the accused was convicted of non-violent insults” and the court “is unable to dispose of the instant appeal before the defendant has served his entire prison sentence.”
Around 8 p.m., Smollett – wearing a black T-shirt and mask – walked out of Cook County Jail surrounded by security guards. As the cameras clicked and reporters shouted questions, the actor climbed into a waiting gray van without speaking.
Despite Smollett’s lack of response, Uche said the actor became emotional as he learned he would be released. The first thing he did, the defender said, was press his hands to the glass between them – a sign of relief after Smollett “almost gave up” the justice system.
“We are pleased that sensationalism and politics are being put aside and we can finally have an intellectual discussion about our laws with our esteemed appellate court,” Uche told The Washington Post in a statement.
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