Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett’ delves into the 2019 incident involving actor Jussie Smollett, who was accused of staging a hate crime against himself. The documentary includes interviews with numerous individuals connected to the case, providing insight into how the investigation unfolded. One of the most prominent voices featured is Eddie Johnson, the former Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, who discussed the evidence, investigative process, and the reasoning behind pursuing charges against Smollett. He gave a detailed look into one of the most high-profile cases in recent years.
Eddie Johnson Alleged That Jussie Smollett Staged the Crime Against Himself
Eddie T Johnson, who served as Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department from 2016, was born on July 28, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in Cabrini–Green before moving with his family to Washington Heights, his childhood was far from privileged. A graduate of Corliss High School in 1978, he joined the Chicago Police Department in 1988 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming Commander of the 6th District in 2008 and Chief of Patrol in 2012, before taking on the Superintendent role. Reflecting on the Jussie Smollett case, he recalled immediately recognizing its potential to become major news and feeling the urgency to uncover the truth swiftly.
He stated that his suspicions about Jussie began when the latter refused to hand over his phone for the investigation. As the investigation progressed, the police identified brothers Ola and Bola Osundairo as the suspects. According to him, their eventual confession shifted the entire direction of the case. Eddie believed it was appropriate to proceed with charges against Smollett, alleging that the actor had orchestrated the attack by hiring the brothers. He firmly denied accusations that he coerced a deal with Ola and Bola or that there was any evidence tampering, emphasizing that the investigation was conducted thoroughly and transparently, with all findings based on facts uncovered during the process.
Eddie Johnson’s Initiatives Within the Chicago PD Have Earned Him a Reputation
Eddie Johnson, during his tenure as Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at reducing crime. He implemented a data-driven crime strategy that significantly improved public safety, resulting in a major reduction in total shootings between 2016 and 2019. His efforts to create a model police department contributed to the adoption and support of a federal consent decree. He also held prominent roles as a former member of the Executive Board of NOBLE’s Chicago Chapter, the St. Jude Board of Directors, and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Assistance Committee.
His dedication to policing earned him numerous awards, including department commendations and the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award. He holds a BA from Governors State University. However, Eddie’s career was not without controversy. When charges against actor Jussie Smollett were dropped in November 2024, he voiced his frustration and reflected on his belief in accountability within the justice system. Additionally, in 2019, he made headlines by refusing to attend then-President Donald Trump’s speech at the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Chicago, prompting criticism from Trump himself.
Eddie Johnson is Not Working for the Chicago PD Today
On October 17, 2019, Eddie Johnson was reportedly discovered asleep in a city-owned vehicle and reportedly informed the mayor that he had dozed off after consuming alcohol. This led to an internal investigation. On November 7, 2019, he announced his intention to retire from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) without providing a specific reason. However, on December 2, 2019, the mayor announced his termination, citing that Eddie had misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the incident. The termination technically amounted to a demotion, allowing him to remain with the CPD. Nevertheless, on December 4, 2019, Eddie opted to retire from his career service position as a lieutenant. Since then, he has had no involvement or contact with the CPD in any capacity.
In October 2010, Eddie became embroiled in a legal battle when CPD officer Cynthia Donald filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. However, the case was dismissed in March 2024, and he has largely stayed out of the public eye since. However, he has remained politically active. In May 2024, he criticized the state’s decision to discontinue ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system he credited with helping reduce gun violence. He is currently planning to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy from Northwestern University.
Eddie Johnson Prefers to Spend Time With His Family These Days
Eddie Johnson’s family has been his strongest source of support throughout his often challenging career in the Chicago Police Department. He has three children from a previous marriage, including his son, Daniel Johnson, who serves as a CPD patrolman. In 2017, when Eddie required a kidney transplant, his son selflessly donated one of his kidneys, and both have since been vocal advocates for organ donation. Their efforts were recognized when the National Kidney Foundation honored them at its 2019 Gift of Life Gala. Eddie remarried in 2017 to Chicago police officer Lt. Nakia Fenner. However, their marriage faced public scrutiny in October 2020 when reports surfaced of a domestic incident in which Fenner alleged that Eddie had burned some of her clothing. No charges were filed, and the matter was closed. Today, it is believed that Eddie and Fenner continue to reside in Bridgeport, Illinois, leading a far quieter life.
Read More: Ola and Bola “Abel” Osundairo: Where Are the Brothers Now?
