Judge denies motion to dismiss Jussie Smollett conviction

By DON BABWIN
Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — A judge has denied a motion to dismiss the conviction of actor Jussie Smollett for lying to Chicago police about a racist and homophobic attack he staged himself. Cook County Judge James Linn on Thursday upheld the jury’s verdict from December that found Smollett, who is Black and gay, guilty of five felony counts of disorderly conduct. The verdict came after a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence that Smollett planned the attack, hired and paid two men he knew from his work on the show “Empire” to carry it out and bought them supplies they would need. After the ruling a sentencing hearing began for Smollett, who faces time behind bars or probation.