ONLY ON 3: Unemployed county commissioner retains huge legal gun

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — In a news release sent to local media Tuesday afternoon, District Attorney Ben David said he had spoken with attorney Joe Cheshire regarding concerns Cheshire’s client, New Hanover County Commissioner Brian Berger, has over unemployment documents released to the media last week.

That’s right, the same Joe Cheshire who represented former Gov. Mike Easley during his recent legal problems. The same Joe Cheshire who represented then-state Sen. R.C. Soles for shooting a man in the back of the leg. The same Joe Cheshire Gov. Bev Perdue hired to help with a criminal investigation into her campaign. The same Joe Cheshire who represented contractor Lee Cowper, who pleaded guilty to embezzling from the New Hanover County ABC Board. And the same Joe Cheshire who represented a member of the Duke lacrosse who faced sexual assault allegations.

So how does a county commissioner who claims “it’s (been) impossible for my business to maintain itself” and admits to drawing unemployment for at least the last six months afford to retain one of the highest profile trial attorneys in the state?

We’re tracking down answers and will have the story for you tonight on WWAY NewsChannel 3 at 6.