Judge Finds No Bias From Jussie Smollett Special Prosecutor

Former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb takes the oath of special prosecutor before Judge Michael Toomin, during a status hearing concerning actor Jussie Smollett at the Leighton Criminal Court in Chicago on Aug. 23, 2019. Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune/AP

CHICAGO—Chicago judge Michael Toomin said on Oct. 4 he won’t replace special prosecutor Dan Webb. Webb is looking into why the state’s attorney’s office abruptly dismissed charges against actor Jussie Smollett. The judge rejected concerns that campaign money could taint the findings.

Days earlier, Webb disclosed in a filing that he co-hosted a 2016 fundraiser for Kim Foxx. He also wrote her campaign a $1,000 check during her successful run for Cook County state’s attorney.