Early Release for John Dougherty Following Presidential Commutation

Former Philadelphia labor leader John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty is set for an early release from prison, following a commutation signed by President Trump. This decision, confirmed by his attorney George Bochetto, cuts short Dougherty’s six-year sentence.

Dougherty had faced conviction in 2023 for bribing a city council member and embezzling approximately $600,000 from Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Earlier, in November 2021, he was found guilty of bribery and fraud, linked to his association with former Councilmember Bobby Henon to advance projects beneficial to IBEW Local 98.

In July 2024, Dougherty received a six-year prison sentence, with four years remaining. As of Thursday night, the Office of the Pardon Attorney’s website had yet to display a commutation approval, showing a denial by President Trump in July.

“President Trump has signed a commutation so that Johnny Doc can be released from prison to take care of his gravely ill wife, Cecilia Dougherty,” Bochetto stated. “Cecilia Dougherty is in desperate need of care, and she desperately needs John by her side.”

Bochetto expressed optimism, anticipating Dougherty’s release from the Lewisburg federal penitentiary on Friday morning. He noted a call from the White House confirming the decision.

Dougherty, who led IBEW Local 98 for nearly 30 years, was influential in Pennsylvania’s Democratic politics. Bochetto acknowledged President Trump’s bipartisan action, praising the compassion shown in the case.

“We are all grateful to President Trump, who has risen above politics,” Bochetto remarked. “The president has commuted John’s sentence for him to return home and care for his wife.”

Prosecutors opposed Dougherty’s request, believing he had not served sufficient time. CBS News Philadelphia has requested confirmation from the White House and awaits a response.