FRESNO (KMJ/AP) — The Chief of Fresno Police has said that the circumstances leading to all charges being dropped against actor Jussie Smollett could not happen in Fresno.
In conversation with KMJ on Wednesday, Chief Jerry Dyer described the connection between himself and Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp as making it impossible for a similar situation to take place on his watch.
“I know for a fact that could not happen here. Not with the relationship that Lisa Smittcamp and I have. We are constantly in communication: my folks and her folks and the two of us.
“This would not happen.”
Prosecutors in Chicago said they still believe Smollett concocted the assault. They gave no detailed explanation for why they abandoned the case only five weeks after filing the charges and threatening to pursue Smollett for the cost of a month-long investigation.
The actor was accused of faking a racist, anti-gay attack on himself. It led to 16 felony charges, which have since been removed from his record. He has since agreed to do community service and let the city keep his $10,000 bail.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
