Frank Russo is the elected auditor for Cuyahoga County, Ohio, who along with County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora has been the focus of a federal probe in a corruption investigation for the past two years.Cleveland.com: Feds seeking information from those who gave gifts to Dimora, Russo (December 7, 2008)

One of the persons rumored to have been part of the federal investigation was Rosemary Vinci, who worked for Russo and Dimora for an annual salary of almost $50,000. Vinci died of apparently natural causes on December 22, 2008.Cleveland.com: Feds seeking information from those who gave gifts to Dimora, Russo (December 7, 2008)

According to Ohio state law, public officials must annually disclose the names of persons who give them gifts that are worth $75 or more. Over the more than 20 years he has been in public office, Russo only listed gifts in fiscal year 2008. In 2008, Russo listed 11 names, several of whom are currently under federal investigation for corruption.Cleveland.com: Feds seeking information from those who gave gifts to Dimora, Russo (December 7, 2008)

On July 28, 2008, federal agents raided the homes of Dimora and Russo, as well as several construction companies and a consulting business. The agents were seeking information about hiring practices as well as decisions about state contracts and income tax reports. New York Times: Inquiry in Ohio Could Hurt Obama Vote (August 9, 2008)