Judge Michael Toomin, who selected Webb, is expected to address the issue at a Friday hearing. While Smollett maintains he was the victim of a real attack in January, the special prosecutor could seek to reinstate charges or bring new ones if he concludes the original charges were improperly dropped. While Foxx recused herself before that March decision, communications released later by her office showed she continued to weigh in on the case. Smollett’s legal team opposed the appointment of any special prosecutor, arguing the case was handled properly and should have stayed closed. But he said it’s common for Chicago lawyers to donate to candidates for chief county prosecutor.

Source: ABC News October 02, 2019 20:37 UTC