Ohio: Richard Lillie

One gift-giver to Auditor Frank Russo said a $100 check was solicited to help pay legal bills, The Plain Dealer reported yesterday. The number of gifts he received doubled from 2007.

The state-mandated financial disclosures from Russo and Commissioner Jimmy Dimora were released this month. They list unspecified gifts of at least $75 from fellow politicians, county employees and people who do business with the county.

Dimora told the commission he was limited in answering its questions because the FBI and IRS seized his personal notes and records in July.

No charges have been filed against Russo or Dimora.

Dimora listed unspecified gifts from 35 people and meals from 36 people, many of whom did not appear on past filings.