Date: 05-29-2003

Case Style: Jesse Sheckler v. VWIR-TV

Case Number: Unknown

Judge: Unknown

Court: Circuit Court, Charlottesville, Virginia

Plaintiff's Attorney:

Matthew B. Murray of Richmond and Fishburne, L.L.P., Charlottesville, Virginia

Defendant's Attorney:

Thomas E. Albro of Tremblay & Smith, L.L.P., Charlottesville, Virginia

Description:

Jesse Sheckler, age 52, claimed that he was defamed a report on VWIR-TV report caused him physical stress. Sheckler was charged in 2001 with helping finance a drug dealer. WVIR wrongly reported in April and again in October of that year that authorities found cocaine during a raid on Sheckler's home and his auto repair business. Sheckler eventually was acquitted. Sheckler complainted that the station failed to air a retraction after the mistake was brought to light in the criminal case.

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for $10 million.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unavailable

Defendant's Experts: Unavailable

Comments: Reported by Kent Morlan