John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty, a notable former labor leader from Philadelphia, has been granted early release from prison following President Trump’s decision to commute his six-year sentence. This information was confirmed by Dougherty’s attorney, George Bochetto, during an interaction with CBS News Philadelphia.
Dougherty faced conviction in 2023 for bribing a city councilmember and embezzling approximately $600,000 from Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Further charges of bribery and fraud had been proven in a 2021 trial involving former Councilmember Bobby Henon’s influence over work and projects associated with IBEW Local 98. Originally sentenced to six years imprisonment in July 2024, Dougherty had nearly four years remaining on his term.
The Office of the Pardon Attorney’s records currently do not show the commutation approval. Previously, the agency had indicated President Trump’s denial of a sentence commutation for Dougherty in July.
Bochetto commented on the commutation, noting, “President Trump signed a commutation allowing Johnny Doc to leave prison to care for his gravely ill wife, Cecilia Dougherty. Her financial resources for private nursing have been depleted, necessitating John’s presence by her side.” Dougherty’s release is anticipated from the federal penitentiary in Lewisburg, expected by Friday morning.
Details reveal that Bochetto was contacted by the White House with news of the commutation. Dougherty, who led IBEW Local 98 for nearly three decades, is recognized as a longstanding Democratic influence in Pennsylvania politics. Bochetto praised President Trump’s bipartisan stance, “We are deeply thankful to President Trump for rising above politics. Despite Dougherty’s Democratic background, Trump’s act exemplifies acknowledgment of sincere need and compassion, enabling John to return and care for his wife.”
Prosecutors have voiced opposition to Dougherty’s release request, citing insufficient sentence fulfillment. CBS News Philadelphia is seeking confirmation from the White House.
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