Jussie Smollett Charged With 16 Felony Counts in Falsified Attack

The Cook County grand jury that investigated Jussie Smollett has returned with 16 counts on felony charges connected to the falsified hate crime that caused a media frenzy since January.

Last month, Smollett was initially charged with one count of felony disorderly conduct but local source CWBChicago has reported the grand jury has now delivered a total of 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct-false report.

According to reports, Smollett lied to two separate officers. The first set of charges reveals the time of the police report, which was 2 a.m. on January 29 and included details of the assault, which revealed the reported "racial slurs, noose, and chemical pour". The second charges are for telling a false report to a detective the same day, while adding that he was approached from behind and fought back, including details of skin color and being kicked in the back.

So far there have been no charges in connection to the letter that was reportedly sent to himself.

Each charge carries a sentence that could range from probation to four years.

Smollett’s next court date is scheduled for next week.