In a surprising turn of events, a Cook County Judge appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the scandal surrounding ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett; probing a Chicago official’s sudden decision to drop all charges regarding his alleged hate crime hoax.

“Judge Michael Toomin ruled that State’s Attorney Kim Foxx had the right to withdraw from the prosecution but could not legally appoint her top deputy to handle the case in her place,” reports the Chicago Tribune. “The special prosecutor could end up charging Smollett, Toomin said, and if the investigation uncovers suspicion of wrongdoing by others, additional charges could be brought.”

“Former state appellate Judge Sheila O’Brien has spearheaded the effort for a special prosecutor, arguing that State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s actions created ‘a perception that justice was not served here, that Mr. Smollett received special treatment,’” adds the newspaper. “County prosecutors oppose the move, saying a special prosecutor would duplicate the efforts of the county inspector general’s office.”

The Chicago Police Department released hundreds of documents surrounding the case earlier this year; filing a lawsuit against Smollett to recoup costs associated with lengthy investigation.

“Feb 13: Police located and interviewed the Osundairo brothers, who confessed. They said Jussie Smollett planned and staged the attack. This was one day before Smollett went on Good Morning America,” posted a reporter with CBS Chicago.

Feb 13: Police located and interviewed the Osundairo brothers, who confessed. They said Jussie Smollett planned and staged the attack. This was one day before Smollett went on Good Morning America. pic.twitter.com/hgcfpeoxKI — Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) May 30, 2019

The weather conditions stated in the supplemental police report the night (morning) Smollett says he was beaten. pic.twitter.com/RxjMXwciau — Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) May 30, 2019

Here’s a supplemental police report that states how Smollett described one of the alleged offenders. pic.twitter.com/YaT99CIhWS — Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) May 30, 2019

EXCLUSIVE: I tracked down surveillance of the Osundairo's buying supplies before "attack" Sources say Jussie Smollet told brothers what to buy. Countless phone calls placed for this. Visited more stores than I wish to admit. @cbschicago https://t.co/GT6h2g6Y9a pic.twitter.com/ULr3UTDe9Q — Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 20, 2019

The disclosure comes days after a judge in Cook County ordered the documents “unsealed.”

“Cook County judge Steven G. Watkins’ decision came months after a dizzying set of events: First, Smollett alleged he’d been the victim of a hate crime; after an extensive investigation, Chicago cops arrested Smollett and accused him of faking the supposed attack; and then, Cook County prosecutors suddenly dropped the charges against Smollett and his case was sealed,” reports Fox News.

“In January, Smollett made national headlines when he filed a police report alleging two masked men attacked him, put a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him as he was walking home from a fast food eatery. Smollett, who is black and openly gay, said the masked men beat him, made racist and homophobic comments and yelled, ‘This is MAGA country’ — a reference to President Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan — before fleeing the scene,” adds the article.