Councilman Under A Cloud Gets High-Profile Lawyer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia councilman who's an apparent target in the federal investigation of the electricians union is getting some prominent legal help, and city taxpayers are footing the bill.
The city Law Department has disclosed that it's paying an outside attorney to represent councilman Bobby Henon "with respect to the federal search warrant executed on August 5."
And not just any outside attorney. Former assistant District Attorney Brian McMonagle -- lawyer for Bill Cosby, pro athletes and other city officials who've been accused of corruption.
The Law Department says he's agreed to accept the standard rate of $225 an hour.
Though no city officials, including Henon, would comment, the city solicitor issued a statement saying the Law Department is required to provide legal advice to officials on matters arising from performance of their duties and frequently hires outside counsel to do so, but will stop payment and recoup costs if it finds an investigation is triggered by conduct outside their duties.
While majority leader in council, Henon is also still on the payroll of the electricians union.
No other council offices were searched.