Former Union Leader Johnny Dougherty Begins Prison Sentence

John 'Johnny Doc' Dougherty, the former head of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, has begun serving a six-year federal prison sentence for bribery and embezzlement. His conviction, stemming from a 2019 indictment, involved embezzling nearly $600,000 from the union and bribing a City Council member. Dougherty's actions were described by prosecutors as 'intentional theft' that caused significant harm to the union and Philadelphia's integrity. Despite his previous influence in politics and labor, Dougherty expressed embarrassment at his sentencing, stating, 'I’m here to take full responsibility.' He has initiated an appeal process while incarcerated at FCI Lewisburg, where he joins other convicted associates. The case highlights a troubling history of corruption within a powerful labor union in Pennsylvania.