Former Philadelphia labor leader John Dougherty sentenced to 6 years
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Disgraced labor leader John Dougherty was sentenced to six years on Thursday for his federal bribery and embezzlement convictions, per the AP.
The big picture: Dougherty had been a political kingmaker in Philadelphia and state politics for decades before getting indicted in 2019.
Driving the news: Dougherty, the former long-time business manager of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, will begin serving his sentence Sept. 4, per the Inquirer.
- Within 15 days, he also must pay $50,000 in restitution to the union that he bilked.
- Yes, but: The judge noted the full amount of restitution Dougherty must pay will be determined later.
What he's saying: Speaking to the court, Dougherty apologized, saying, "I knew better, I let the lines get blurred, I got over my head," per the AP.
- "I'm here to take full responsibility," he told the judge. "It's embarrassing. I'm sick."
Catch up quick: Dougherty was convicted in two separate trials.
- In 2021, he and ex-City Councilmember Bobby Henon were found guilty of a bribery scheme.
- Then, in 2023, Dougherty was convicted of embezzling more than $600,000 from the union he once led.
Between the lines: Federal prosecutors sought up to 14 years and $2 million in restitution, per 6ABC.
Zoom out: Several others involved in the two cases have already been sentenced, including:
- Henon, who was sentenced to three-and-a-half years.
- Brian Burrows, a top Dougherty lieutenant at Local 98, got four years.
The intrigue: Dougherty still maintains powerful allies.
- In the lead-up to his sentencing, more than 200 letters were submitted to the court from Dougherty's supporters attesting to his character, per the Inquirer.
- Among those supporters were former Gov. Ed Rendell, former City Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, and Sister Mary Scullion, the co-founder of Project Home.
What's ahead: Dougherty is facing a potential retrial on extortion charges alongside one of his nephews after a mistrial in April.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.