The Chicago jury reached a verdict in the Jussie Smollett case yesterday and they found that he falsely reported being the victim of a hate crime in 2019.
The former 'Empire' actor was convicted of five charges and acquitted of one.
Prosecutors said he staged an anti-gay, racist attack, then lied to police.
After deliberating for nine hours, the jury found Smollett guilty of making a false police report, claiming to be the victim of a hate crime, and saying he was the victim of a battery, to two different detectives.
The crimes are all class 4 felonies. Each could bring Smollett as long as three years in prison and a $25,000 fine, but experts say it would be unusual for someone without a criminal record to receive a prison sentence.
The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 27. Smollett was not taken into custody until sentencing. His lawyer said he'll appeal the verdicts.
Comments