NEW from Chicago: Joe Magats, the first assistant state's attorney who made the final decision to drop the charges against Jussie Smollett, says in an interview: "We didn't exonerate him."
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
Magats, the asst state's atty, said he saw no problems with the police investigation or the evidence against Smollett. The charges against Smollett were dropped in return for his agreement to do community service, he said, and for forfeiting his bond to the city of Chicago.
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
More from the asst state's attorney: "Here's the thing — we work to prioritize violent crime and the drivers of violent crime. Public safety is our number one priority. I don't see Jussie Smollett as a threat to public safety."
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
"We stand behind the investigation, we stand behind the decision to charge him and we stand behind the charges in the case. The mere fact that it was disposed of in an alternative manner does not mean that there were any problems or infirmities in the case or the evidence."
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
From ABC:
Magats also said that he was satisfied with Smollett forfeiting the 10 percent of $100K bond he put up, and completing community service prior to getting the charges dropped.
“In return for forfeiting his bond to the City of Chicago and doing his community service, we agreed to dismiss the charges against him. He did community service for Operation Push.”
Operation Push is Jesse Jackson’s group.
Part of Smollett's community service for Rainbow Push included 8 hours of service on March 23rd. And 8 hours of service on March 25th. Service included working in the bookstore, critiquing in the broadcast studio and speaking to students and parents who visited. 2/2
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) March 26, 2019
The problem is there wasn’t a normal plea agreement but a non-plea agreement agreement to allow him to say he didn’t do anything. They let him off with no accountability, so no, they can’t spin it now with this ridiculous statement.
And because the judge has now sealed the records, we can’t get the records.