Chicago (CNN) "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett, who authorities say filed false reports of a crime, has been indicted on 16 felony counts by a Cook County grand jury.

The indictment charges Smollett, 36, with 16 counts of disorderly conduct.

Mark Geragos, one of Smollett's attorneys and a CNN legal analyst, said the actor maintains his innocence and called the indictment "prosecutorial overkill."

"This redundant and vindictive indictment is nothing more than a desperate attempt to make headlines," Geragos said.

He remains out on bail pending an arraignment Thursday.