Ex-union leader John Dougherty sentenced to 6 years in prison after bribery and embezzlement convictions
Dougherty was found guilty of embezzling money from Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was also convicted in 2021 on bribery charges.
Former labor leader John Dougherty has been sentenced to six years in prison for his convictions on bribery and embezzlement charges.
Dougherty and former City Councilmember Bobby Henon were convicted on bribery charges in 2021. In December, Dougherty and former Local 98 president Brian Burrows were convicted of embezzling more than $600,000 from their union.
Prosecutors had recommended Dougherty receive 11 to 14 years in prison, and want him to pay more than $2.1 million in restitution to Local 98, which he led for nearly 30 years.
Dougherty asked for leniency from the judge, citing his commitment to Philadelphia and the union he led for decades.
John Dougherty, a towering figure in Philly politics and organized labor, sentenced to six years in federal prison
John J. Dougherty — a towering figure who for decades dominated the arenas of politics and organized labor in Philadelphia — was sentenced to six years in federal prison Thursday following convictions for bribery and embezzlement.
In announcing the punishment, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Schmehl acknowledged the immeasurable impact the former labor leader had had on the city over nearly 30 years at the helm of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the state’s most powerful labor union.
Still, the judge told him: “Somewhere along that trip, you lost your way. You lost your integrity. … And for that you must pay the price.”
John Dougherty is headed to prison. But what happens next?
John J. Dougherty, once a domineering fixture in Philadelphia’s labor and political scenes, was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday on bribery and embezzlement charges — capping off the former labor leader’s stunning downfall from the helm of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of the state’s most powerful unions.
From Dougherty’s prison report date to potential appeals and another trial, here’s what comes next.
» READ MORE: John Dougherty is headed to prison. But what happens next?
— Oona Goodin-Smith and Jeremy Roebuck
Prosecutors on Dougherty's sentence: 'We respect the result'
When it comes to Dougherty’s six-year sentence — less than half of the maximum prison time the government asked for — Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Costello said “we respect the result.”
The government, Costello said, set out to hold those charged at Local 98 accountable, “which we did.”
“Sentencing is not a science,” the prosecutor said. “And in this process, most things are out of our control.”
— Oona Goodin-Smith
Dougherty reacts to his sentence's September start date: 'We'll see, a couple things before now and then'
Emerging from the Reading courthouse into a swarm of news cameras, dozens of waiting supporters, and now facing six years in federal prison, John Dougherty was matter-of-fact.
“He’s a fair judge,” Dougherty said as media clamored around him. “When you’re the boss, everything stops with you.”
The former labor leader said he was proud of his years at the helm of Local 98. “We built Philadelphia,” he said.
Hush falls over courtroom following Dougherty's sentencing
A hush fell over the Reading courtroom as the judge handed down Dougherty’s sentence — half of what the government had requested.
Several of his supporters in the courtroom silently nodded, while others stared straight ahead.
And as the room cleared out, Dougherty stood, talking with his lawyer before shaking hands, hugging and chatting with his lingering family members and supporters.
— Oona Goodin-Smith
Dougherty sentenced to 6 years in prison
John Dougherty has been sentenced to six years in prison, less than half of what prosecutors were seeking.
In announcing the punishment, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl credited the former labor leader for his years of good work in the community and his nearly three decades of leadership at his union.
“It’s clear Mr. Dougherty that you did an incredible job of building Local 98 into a powerful union,” the judge said.
Prosecutors make final push ahead of sentencing: 'There’s clearly another side of him'
After Dougherty’s emotional plea, prosecutors once again asked U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to remember that it was the former labor leader’s actions that brought them there.
His good deeds, Assistant U.S. Attorney Bea Witzeleben said, show “an important side of him.”
“But there’s clearly another side of him,” the prosecutor said.
Dougherty takes 'full responsibility' for crimes in last chance to address judge: 'I knew better'
John Dougherty said he takes “full responsibility” for his crimes and apologized to the members of his union, saying that in his three decades leading Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers he at some point began conflating himself with the union.
“I knew better,” Dougherty said, in his final opportunity to address the judge before his sentence will be imposed. “I let the lines get blurred. I got over my head.”
He touted the impact he had as business manager of Local 98 in transforming the 5,000-member union a “mom and pop shop” into the state’s most powerful – and financially secure – labor union.
Dougherty 'helped people from all walks of life,' defense says
John Dougherty didn’t just help his family and friends, attorney Greg Pagano told U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl.
“He helped people from all walks of life,” Pagano said. “He helped strangers, he helped Local 98 members, he helped non-Local 98 members.”
“Mr. Dougherty went far beyond and far above what he was paid to do.”
Supporters at sentencing include Dougherty's Pa. Supreme Court Justice brother, Philly City Councilmember
As the court takes a brief lunch recess, the dozens of Dougherty supporters watching from the main courtroom and an overflow room – where the proceedings are being broadcast live on a screen – spilled out into the hallways.
Spotted among the crowd were:
Philadelphia City Councilmember Jim Harrity
Former Philadelphia City Councilmember Jannie Blackwell
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty, who is John Dougherty’s brother
Sean Dougherty, son of Kevin, nephew of John and current Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
The hearing is set to resume at 1:30.
— Jeremy Roebuck
Dougherty witnesses describe union leader as a tireless advocate
Continuing his push for leniency for his client, John Dougherty attorney Greg Pagano called several character witnesses to vouch for the labor leader, depicting him as a man more than his crimes, and a tireless advocate for organized labor, his family, and community.
“The John Dougherty that I know is certainly not the one who’s been defined by these two trials,” Don Siegel, the former vice president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, told the judge. Rather, the Dougherty Siegel said knew was a man “constantly looking for something to help, someone to do something for,” always hungry to better the lives of his union’s members and bring economic development for the city.“
He was one of the biggest cheerleaders of Philadelphia I have ever met,” Siegel said. “There’s no stronger person in the labor movement than John Dougherty.”
Dougherty's daughter asks court to consider house arrest: 'I know that my dad is far from perfect'
John Dougherty’s 44-year-old daughter Erin delivered a compelling and emotional appeal to the judge describing her father as a “complicated” man — but one who never ignored a plea for help from someone seeking his assistance.
“I know that my dad is far from perfect,” she said. “I certainly know he’s a convicted felon…. I believe in the idea of accountability [but] I’m just begging you to consider some kind of home confinement for my dad.”
The first of several witnesses expected to testify on Dougherty’s behalf, Erin Dougherty walked the judge through the history of their family – from her birth when her parents were still young and living with her maternal grandparents to her father’s early days as a journeyman apprentice working second shifts at UPS.
Government wants Dougherty remanded to prison following hearing
In addition to urging U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to sentence John Dougherty to more than a decade behind bars, the government has also requested the 64-year-old former labor leader be remanded to prison immediately after the hearing, citing his history of making threats, and saying he may be a danger to his community.
Schmehl will likely address the government’s request later in the proceedings.
After Dougherty was convicted of conspiracy and honest services fraud in 2021, prosecutors also asked the judge to remand him to prison — a request the judge ultimately denied.
— Oona Goodin-Smith
Prosecutors push for a stiff sentence: 'It was not a momentary lapse in judgment'
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Costello kicked the hearing off by urging U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to sentence John Dougherty to roughly 11 to 14 years in prison — the punishment recommended by federal guidelines and one the prosecutor argued Dougherty has more than earned.
“Your honor, this case is about the defendants’ abuse of power, abuse of trust that was committed over the course of six years,” Costello told the judge. “It was not a momentary lapse in judgment.”
And all the while. Dougherty, Costello said, knew what he was doing was wrong. “The position of power he held and the way he wielded it prevented anyone from questioning his power.”
'This isn't a math problem': Wrangling over John Dougherty's sentencing range
The lawyers have started off the hearing with a debate over what John Dougherty’s federal sentencing guidelines should be.
Defense attorney Greg Pagano raised several technical objections to over how they have been calculated in Dougherty’s case.
Federal sentencing guidelines serve as a starting point for judges in determining the appropriate punishment in federal court. They suggest a sentences based off criteria such as a defendant’s criminal history and the circumstances of his or her crimes.
John Dougherty sentencing hearing underway
The sentencing hearing for former labor leader John Dougherty is underway in the Reading federal courthouse.
The courtroom is packed with Dougherty’s supporters — friends, family, union members, politicians, and community members — and the court has opened an overflow room for more to watch the proceedings from elsewhere in the building.
As Dougherty arrived in the courtroom, he flashed a smile at the room and chatted briefly with his family and supporters before taking his seat at the defense table.
Courtroom packed with John Dougherty supporters
As we all wait for the hearing to begin, John Dougherty is passing the time chatting with family members and friends seated in the gallery’s front row.
The courtroom is packed with Dougherty’s supporters, including former City Councilmember Jannie Blackwell as well as representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and various federal law enforcement agencies.
– Jeremy Roebuck
The sentences John Dougherty's codefendants have received
Six of John Dougherty’s codefendants in his bribery and embezzlement trials have been sentenced so far. Here’s what sentences they received:
Bobby Henon, the former Philadelphia City Councilmember was convicted with Dougherty at their 2021 bribery trial received 3 ½ years at a sentencing last year
Brian Burrows, Dougherty’s second-in-command at Local 98 was sentenced to four years last month after his conviction at a 2023 embezzlement trial
Michael Neill, the former head of Local 98’s apprentice training program received a 13 month sentence for his role in the embezzlement scheme
Marita Crawford, the union’s former political director, was sentenced to 15 days in prison – a term which she’s already completed – followed by house arrest
Niko Rodriguez, a former driver for Dougherty who pleaded guilty to charges tied to the embezzlement scheme was sentenced to three years’ probation.
Brian Fiocca, Dougherty’s nephew and former assistant at the union, was sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in the embezzlement case.
Anthony Massa – a contractor who was charged alongside Dougherty and the fellow union officials but later pleaded guilty and testified against them in the embezzlement trial – is set to be sentenced in August.
– Jeremy Roebuck
Johnny Doc arrives at the courthouse
In a dark suit and sunglasses, former labor leader John J. Dougherty had few words as he strode into the Reading federal courthouse Thursday morning ahead of his sentencing hearing.
“I’m glad it’s over, I take full responsibility,” he told awaiting news crews.
Dougherty entered the courtroom briefly to shake hands with a crowd of supporters already seated in the gallery before stepping out to wait, in a private conference room with his family, for the hearing to begin.
Ed Rendell among those writing in support of John Dougherty
Hundreds of John Dougherty’s colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors have written to the judge who will sentence him Thursday for his bribery and embezzlement convictions. The 246 letters urge U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to consider the immeasurable impact the former labor leader has had on his community and argue that a lengthy prison term would cause more harm than good.
The list of letter writers includes members of his union — Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers — a former governor, an ex-member of Congress, and other bold-faced names such as Sister Mary Scullion of project HOME, Termini Bros. co-founder Vincent Termini Sr., the city’s GOP chair Vincent Fenerty, Jr., and City Councilmembers Mark Squilla and Jim Harrity.
“I can honestly say that John has done so much good for the City we both love and its citizens," wrote former Pennsylvania governor and Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell.
John Dougherty faces sentencing hearing today
Today’s the day John Dougherty will finally learn his fate.
The former labor leader — who, over three decades at the helm of the city’s powerful electricians’ union, reshaped politics and organized labor in Philadelphia in his image — faces sentencing this morning on bribery and embezzlement charges.
Prosecutors are urging a judge to put him behind bars for up to 14 years. His lawyer has asked for leniency, citing Dougherty’s years of dedication to his union, his family, and the city.
How much prison time could Johnny Doc get?
It’s the question that’s hung over John Dougherty’s head since his conviction on bribery charges three years ago. It surfaced once more after another jury found him and former Local 98 president Brian Burrows guilty in their embezzlement trial last year. And as each of the ex-union chief’s codefendants have faced sentencing this year, it’s been asked again and again.
Just how much prison time will Dougherty get?
On Friday, prosecutors filed their recommendation with the judge: Anywhere from 11 to 14 years. That’s more than three times the stiffest sentence U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl has handed down so far for any of Dougherty’s six codefendants in his bribery and embezzlement cases.
Who is Johnny Doc?
John Dougherty, widely known as “Johnny Doc,” is the former longtime business manager of Local 98 and once led the Philadelphia Building Trades Union. He was forced to resign from both positions after a Philadelphia jury in 2021 convicted him and former Councilmember Bobby Henon on federal bribery charges.
In December, a federal jury found Dougherty guilty on embezzlement charges. Jurors determined,Dougherty and Brian Burrows — the ex-union chief’s codefendant and trusted lieutenant — misspent more than $600,000 on everything from pricey Atlantic City birthday bashes and extensive home repairs to dozens of mundane purchases for groceries and household goods.
During his nearly three decades of leading Local 98, Dougherty transformed his 5,000-member union into a political powerhouse and the largest independent source of campaign cash in the state, helping to elect Philadelphia mayors, City Council members, state legislators, governors, judges, and members of Congress.
Upcoming dates
Aug. 13: Former Local 98 president Brian Burrows is scheduled to report to prison to begin serving his four-year sentence.
Aug. 20: Contractor-turned-star government witness Anthony Massa faces sentencing for billing Local 98 for home repairs worth more than $380,000 at the houses of Dougherty, his family members, and his fellow Local 98 officials.
Sept. 16: The scheduled date for John Dougherty’s retrial on extortion charges alongside nephew Greg Fiocca — that is, if the government decides to proceed.
– Jeremy Roebuck and Oona Goodin-Smith