Former Philadelphia labor leader John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty and a codefendant had been convicted Thursday of utilizing greater than $650,000 in union funds for private use, marking the second conviction federal prosecutors have secured towards the long-powerful determine since a sweeping 2019 indictment.
Dougherty, who led Native 98 of the Worldwide Brotherhood of Electrical Staff for almost three many years, was convicted of conspiracy, embezzlement and dozens of different prices by a jury after a monthlong trial. Prosecutors mentioned he and codefendant Brian Burrows, Native 98′s former president, used the cash for gadgets together with dwelling renovations, live shows, groceries and even a cookie tray for the christening of a relative’s child.
“This was a case where all the members who paid these people’s salaries basically had their pockets picked by them, and we’re glad we can finally hold them accountable,” U.S. Lawyer Frank Costell was quoted as saying by The Philadelphia Inquirer, which reported the decision.
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The jury deliberated over a number of days after listening to proof that included authorities wiretap recordings. One witness, Anthony Massa, reportedly testified that he oversaw hundreds of {dollars} in enhancements on the Philadelphia home of Dougherty’s brother Kevin, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court docket justice. A lawyer for the justice later known as the witness “an admitted liar.”
“It was a complicated case” Dougherty mentioned after the decision. “The jury elected to believe Tony Massa, and the case was over … Everything else just fell in line.”
A former Philadelphia labor chief has been convicted of embezzling union funds. (FOX Information)
Dougherty, 63, was beforehand convicted of bribery for preserving a metropolis council member on the union payroll to assist maintain a good grip on development jobs. The previous council member, Bobby Henon, is serving a 3 1/2 12 months jail time period.
Protection lawyer Gregory Pagano attributed the spending to “negligence, not fraud” and mentioned Dougherty — lengthy a robust participant in Pennsylvania politics — believed “you have to spend money to make money.”
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He mentioned his consumer labored across the clock for the union.
Prosecutors requested that Dougherty be taken into custody after Thursday’s verdict, however U.S. District Decide Jeffrey L. Schmehl denied the request. He set a sentencing date in each of Dougherty’s instances for March 20, the identical month he is scheduled to face trial in a 3rd case involving an extortion cost.
Dougherty and Burrows had been every acquitted of three counts.
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Burrows is to be sentenced on March 21.
