(March 13, 2019 – Source: Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images North America)
*State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has responded to the release of text messages that reveal her true feelings about Jussie Smollett and his racially-charged hate crime case that rocked the city of Chicago.
The March 8 text messages were released Tuesday as part of a FOIA request from The Post and other outlets, Page Six reports. In them, Foxx tells First Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Joe Magats, who took over the case after she recused herself, that “I’m recused” — then went on to note that the “Empire” star had been hit with too many charges.
“Sooo …… I’m recused, but when people accuse us of overcharging cases … 16 counts on a class 4 becomes exhibit A,” Foxx wrote.
“Yes. I can see where that can be seen as excessive,” Magats replied.
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(Feb. 21, 2019 – Source: Getty Images North America
Foxx then compares Smollett’s 16 felony counts for lying to the police to singer R. Kelly’s 10 felony charges for sexual abuse.
“Pedophile with victims 10 counts. Washed up celeb who lied to cops, 16. On a case eligible for deferred prosecution I think it’s indicative of something we should be looking at generally,” Foxx continued.
“Just because we can charge something doesn’t mean we should.”
“Agreed,” Magats replied, noting that the office will “take a hard look at how we charge the cases and get it to something that covers what needs to be covered without being excessive and ultimately pointless.”
“Yeah…it’s not who we want to be,” Foxx responded.
To which Magats replied: “For sure.”
As you know, the State’s Attorney dismissed all 16 counts against Jussie after he agreed to forfeit his bond and perform community service — though Magats admitted “I do not believe he is innocent.”
Foxx addressed to the release of her texts, stating, “After the indictment became public, I reached out to Joe to discuss reviewing office policies to assure consistencies in our charging and our use of appropriate charging authority.”
She continues, “I was elected to bring criminal justice reform and that includes intentionality, consistency, and discretion. I will continue to uphold these guiding principals.”
Meanwhile, the city of Chicago is suing Smollett for refusing to repay the $130,000 in overtime pay made to officers who investigated his alleged hate crime.
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