CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Internal communications reveal how Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx involved herself in the Jussie Smollett case, even though she had publicly said she had recused herself from it.
The State's Attorney's Office has made public thousands of texts and emails regarding the Jussie Smollett case. The documents indicate Foxx was giving input in what her underlings were doing in the Smollett case, even though she had public said she recused herself from the case.
In one text, following the news that “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett had been indicted on 16 felony count, Foxx wrote to her top deputy questioning 16 felony charges against what she called a "washed-up celeb who lied to cops."
“Sooo…I’m recused, but when people accuse us of overcharging cases...16 counts on a class 4 (felony) becomes exhibit A,” Foxx said in a text message to Joseph Magats, her top assistant, on March 8.
Foxx went on to compare Smollett's charges to the 10 charges against singer R. Kelly, whom she called a "pedophile with four victims."
She continued saying, "… Just because we can charge something doesn’t mean we should.”
Another text suggests Prosecutor Risa Lanier did not anticipate the big media response, when charges against Smollett were dropped.
“Just wish I could have anticipated the magnitude of this response and planned a bit better!” Assistant State’s Attorney Risa Lanier, texted Magats hours after the charges were dropped.
“There’s really no planning for this,” Magats responded. “It’s the right decision.”
“I agree and absolutely stand by the decision made,” Lanier replied.
These texts are apart of the nearly 200 pages of screenshots of texts, more than 3,600 pages of emails, and a 36-page spreadsheet of records pertaining to the Jussie Smollett case.
The Cook County Inspector is investigating the State's Attorney's Office’s handling of the Smollett case.