Chicago Tribune

Former US Attorney Dan Webb named special prosecutor to look into dismissal of Jussie Smollett charges

CHICAGO - Former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb was sworn in Friday as a special prosecutor to investigate the entire Jussie Smollett case, from the former "Empire" actor's claims that he was the target of a racist and homophobic attack to prosecutors' sudden decision to drop charges that he had faked the assault.

Webb's appointment marks the end of a two-month search by Cook County Judge Michael Toomin, who in June ruled that irregularities in the case warranted a special prosecutor.

"Obviously, this is something we take very seriously," Webb told reporters after he was sworn in during a brief hearing

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