Early Release of John Dougherty
John Dougherty’s Early Release
John Dougherty, a former Philadelphia labor leader, has been granted an early release from prison following a commutation signed by President Trump. Dougherty’s attorney, George Bochetto, confirmed this news to CBS News Philadelphia.
Convictions and Sentence
In 2023, Dougherty was found guilty of bribing a city councilmember and embezzling $600,000 from Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He also faced bribery and fraud charges relating to his use of Councilmember Bobby Henon to promote projects for IBEW Local 98, culminating in a conviction in November 2021. As a result, Dougherty received a six-year prison sentence in July 2024, leaving him with four years remaining.
Details of Commutation
On Thursday night, the Office of the Pardon Attorney had no records indicating a commutation approval, with Dougherty’s previous request denied by Mr. Trump in July. However, Bochetto announced that President Trump authorized Dougherty’s release to aid his ill wife, Cecilia Dougherty, who cannot afford private nursing care.
Bochetto stated, “Cecilia Dougherty is in desperate need of care. Her money has run out for private nursing, and she desperately needs John by her side.”
Dougherty is expected to be freed from a federal penitentiary in Lewisburg on Friday, and preparations are in place to bring him to his wife’s side immediately.
Political Context
Dougherty has served as the leader of IBEW Local 98 for nearly three decades and has been influential in Democratic politics in Pennsylvania. His attorney expressed gratitude to President Trump for setting aside partisan politics in favor of compassion.
Bochetto stated, “We are all just so grateful to President Trump, who really has risen above politics. John Dougherty is an icon of Democratic politics in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Donald Trump is a Republican. The president has risen above partisan politics and recognized the need and the compassion that this case presented and commuted John’s sentence so he can return home and take care of his wife.”
Prosecutors had previously opposed Dougherty’s early release, arguing he had not fulfilled enough of his sentence. CBS News Philadelphia has reached out to the White House for confirmation and awaits their response.