Chicago PD were not told that the charges against Jussie Smollett were going to be dropped.
And they’re furious, obviously because it makes them look bad and like they had nothing, when they had the case locked.
NEW: Chicago police tell our @SchulteABC7 that superintendent Eddie Johnson was not told about Smollett charges being dropped today. Johnson learned about it while at a scheduled police graduation at Navy Pier.
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) March 26, 2019
Area Central Detective Cmdr. Edward Wodnicki, who led #JessieSmollett investigation, is livid the case was dropped when CPD had built a strong case and spent >$10K in man hours. Speaking to reporters at Navy Pier. He’s “shocked” charges are dropped with no heads up.
— Will Lee (@MidnoirCowboy) March 26, 2019
Says he’s spent the past few days with prosecutors working on the off-duty officer killed during the weekend and got no sense this was happening. “What the heck is that?”
He insists police maintain a strong relationship with the CCSAO.— Will Lee (@MidnoirCowboy) March 26, 2019
Chicago PD Commander Ed Wodnicki calls dismissal decision a "punch in the gut," says they were prepared for trial and had a "rock solid case."
"For states attorney at this point to dismiss charges without discussing this with us at all is just shocking," he said. https://t.co/4bipE0mpEK
— Sarah Whitten (@sarahwhit10) March 26, 2019
Superintendent Eddie Johnson is scheduled to give a presser, we’ll update.
Here’s what Johnson had previously said:
Among other things, Johnson said that Smollett was responsible for sending himself the threatening letter.
Wow, this is some presser.
Rahm Emanuel ripped the heck out of Jussie Smollett, saying he misused the hate crimes law to promote himself.
Mayor Emanuel calls it a “white wash” of justice. pic.twitter.com/MP5sRFMHAL
— Sarah Schulte (@SchulteABC7) March 26, 2019