President Donald Trump signed a commutation of the federal prison sentence for former Philadelphia labor leader John 'Johnny Doc' Dougherty, his attorney confirmed Thursday. Dougherty was released from custody Friday morning, according to his legal team.
The commutation ends Dougherty’s six-year sentence for bribing a Philadelphia City Council member and embezzling nearly $600,000 from the labor union he led for nearly three decades. His attorney, George Bochetto, stated the decision was made to allow Dougherty to care for his wife, Cecilia Dougherty, who is gravely ill and requires private nursing care.
Key Details of the Case
Dougherty, who served as the head of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for nearly 30 years, was convicted in July 2024 on federal charges. The conviction followed a 2023 trial in which he was found guilty of bribing a city councilmember and misappropriating union funds. In a separate 2021 trial, Dougherty was also convicted of bribery and fraud in connection with using former Councilmember Bobby Henon to advance union projects.
As of Thursday evening, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Pardon Attorney website had not yet reflected the commutation. Bochetto confirmed receiving a call from the White House informing him of the decision Thursday afternoon.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- 2021: Dougherty convicted in first trial on bribery and fraud charges.
- 2023: Convicted in a second trial on additional bribery and embezzlement counts.
- July 2024: Sentenced to six years in federal prison.
- Thursday: Trump signs commutation; Dougherty released Friday morning.
Union and Political Background
Local 98, under Dougherty’s leadership, was a significant force in Philadelphia’s labor and political landscape. Dougherty was described by Bochetto as an ‘icon of Democratic politics in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’, despite the commutation being issued by a Republican president. Bochetto added that Trump’s decision was framed as rising above partisan politics to address a humanitarian need.
Bochetto stated that a team was prepared to receive Dougherty upon release and transport him to his wife’s side. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Cecilia Dougherty’s financial resources for private care had been exhausted.