In this May 14, 2018, file photo, Jussie Smollett, a cast member in the TV series "Empire," attends the Fox Networks Group 2018 programming presentation afterparty in New York. (Evan Agostini / Invision / AP, File)

Jussie Smollett Turns Himself In to Police, Faces Up to 3 Years in Prison

By The Associated Press February 21, 2019 at 5:01am

This is a timeline from The Associated Press of the latest on the attack reported by Jussie Smollett. (All times local)

5:50 a.m.

Chicago police say “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has turned himself in to face a charge of making a false police report when he said he was attacked in downtown Chicago by two men who hurled racist and anti-gay slurs and looped a rope around his neck.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tells The Associated Press that Smollett turned himself in early Thursday at central booking.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson plans to hold a morning news conference and Smollett is expected to appear in court later in the day.

The 36-year-old actor was charged Wednesday.

The charge could bring up to three years in prison. It could also force the actor, who’s black and gay, to pay for the cost of the investigation into his report of a Jan. 29 beating.

___

12 a.m.

Did you have your suspicions about this case from the beginning?

Less than a month ago, “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was the seemingly sympathetic victim of a hate crime. Now he’s accused of a felony.

The 36-year-old actor was charged Wednesday with making a false police report when he told authorities he was attacked last month in Chicago by two men who hurled racist, anti-gay slurs and looped a rope around his neck.

The charge could bring up to three years in prison. It could also force the actor, who is black and gay, to pay for the cost of the investigation into his report of a Jan. 29 beating.

A police spokesman says authorities are trying to negotiate Smollett’s surrender.

Doubts about Smollett’s account started with reports that he had not fully cooperated with police.

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Tags:

Chicago, Culture, Hate crime, Police, Racism, WJ Wire

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