Btw, technically the decision to drop the charges was made by...

Btw, technically the decision to drop the charges was made by Joseph Magats, after State Attorney Foxx recused herself because it was revealed she was in discussions with Smollett family members. I still believe Foxx made the decision though. Magats was given his job by Foxx, then promoted by Foxx to be her 2IC.

Magats seems to have some sort of ethical conflict about being made to drop 16 felony charges by his boss, as revealed in an interview after he did so:
“I do not believe he is innocent,” First Assistant Cook’s County State’s Attorney Joseph Magats told CBS Chicago. Does he think Mr. Smollet is guilty? “Yes,” he replied.

So, if Smollett is guilty and there's a rock solid case against him... Why drop the felony charges and allow the guy to give a press conference proclaiming his innocence? Hmmm...