In the latest twist in a bizarre Chicago “hate crime” investigation, a judge has ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate actor Jussie Smollett, and it is possible that he could once again face criminal charges.

“The special prosecutor may further prosecute Smollett, and if they have ‘reasonable grounds to believe that any other criminal offense was committed … special prosecutor may commence the prosecution of any crime as may be suspected,'” The Chicago Tribune’s Megan Crepeau reported from inside the courtroom.

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— Megan Crepeau (@crepeau) June 21, 2019

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Judge Michael Toobin reportedly ruled that when State’s Attorney Kimberly Foxx recused herself from the Smollett prosecution, she did not have the authority to choose her replacement. But she did choose her replacement, First Assistant State’s Attorney Joseph Magats, who dropped all charges against Smollett.

Foxx has high-profile connections within the Democratic Party, including Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), and Smollett himself was friendly with the Obama family.

Initially, Smollett claimed that he was the victim of “hate crime” in which two men beat, strangled, and poured bleach on him, while yelling “This is MAGA country” in in the middle of Chicago. Upon investigation, police found that two Nigerian brothers with whom Smollett was acquainted were allegedly paid to carry out the hoax. As a response, Smollett was charged with 16 felonies.

The charges were mysteriously dropped weeks later, sparking outrage from the Chicago Police Department.

The former star of Hollywood hit “Empire” has been written off the show’s final season.

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