Since when does an event such as this get elevated to “Grand Jury” status....????????
“Since when does an event such as this get elevated to “Grand Jury” status....????????”
Because felony offenses were committed. All of them by Smollet.
L
No kidding.
And, Who is PAYING for this?
Chicago. Friendly venue to pick jurors from. Stinks to high Heaven.
It’s a felony.
I've been reading about it. Knowing a little now, I can see many reasons.
Here's one article, can't guarantee it's the best. But probably a good time for any of us who don't know ... to know ...
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/why-prosecutors-choose-grand-juries-preliminary.html
You are right. The usual false reporting of a crime case that not carry all the political notoriety would be charged directly by the police and DA without a grand jury. But they know the race baiters will be out in full force accusing the Chicago police of victimizing another black man if the police are charging the case rather than a citizen grand jury. I agree he should not get special attention but the reality of urban politics with a large black demographic has entered the equation.
Grand Jury testimony is secret and the news media is not allowed inside. It is one way to get witnesses under oath and thus encourage truthful consistent testimony later.
There is Mail Fraud also involved.
If you mail a threat to someone, I believe that is a felony.
Even a fake threat, if it becomes acted on.
Because the local prosecutors don’t want to be crucified for charging a gay black guy. Grand Jury will do exactly what the prosecutors set up, but it will give them someone else to blame.
Apparently, the Feds might have some interest in this because some magazines were found during execution of a search warrant with letters cut out, possibly matching a threat sent through the mail.
Using the postal service to send himself life-threatening letters and powder (as a fake biological attack) is where he committed the big major felonies and could be looking at real hard time prison.
I think once money entered the situation...that was enough for a prosecutor to be sure on winning the court situation. If Smollett could reach the brothers before the grand jury situation, he could offer big cash (probably $100k) for them to forget incident. If this report is correct, the cops expect it, and will them hid till they can appear this week.
Just in court costs, his legal bill, and the fine...this will go beyond $100k. His lawyer will likely be working to get a deal...just admit guilt...get a reduced sentence and avoid higher costs for a longer case.