FBI investigations into Dorothy Brown's office have been underway for nearly five years, during which the clerk has disputed accusations of misconduct. But according to one employee interviewed by federal prosecutors, at least one of Brown's hires may have come with a $10,000 price tag.

Ethics officials are petitioning the Cook County Circuit Court to enforce a subpoena seeking information on potential profits obtained by Commissioner Larry Rogers from his law firm’s lawsuits against Cook County government.