Jussie Smollett Case: Police Open Investigation Into False Leaks

Chicago police have launched an internal investigation into how information was being leaked during the department's investigation of a reported hate crime incident involving actor Jussie Smollett.

The agency is now saying that some information given to media by anonymous sources was "inaccurate" at times.

"I would like to point out that a lot of the information out there was inaccurate and there were numerous agencies involved in this investigation," chief communications officer Rocco Alioto told The Advocatein a statement. "As a standard procedure when there are allegations of information being leaked, an internal investigation has been opened and we are also looking at our vulnerabilities."

The chief of detectives for CPD's Area Central, Edward Wodnicki, launched the probe after charges were formally filed against Smollett just last month. Smollett has been charged with a felony for filing a false report and police believe he staged the entire attack.

No leaker has been identified, and the police spokesperson says it will be hard to identify the source due to so many agencies being involved in the investigation.

Smollett is scheduled to appear before a judge later this month and still maintains his innocence regarding charges filed, even as public opinion of his case has swayed from support to condemnation.

"Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence," Smollett's team told reporters after a press conference held by Chicago police that communicated they believe he is guilty.

"[He] feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing."