Trump Commutes Sentence of Former Philadelphia Union Official

<p>President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, a former union business manager, according to Dougherty's lawyer George Bochetto. Bochetto confirmed to Fox News Digital during a Friday morning phone call that the president had signed the commutation on Thursday.</p><p>Bochetto stated that Dougherty would be "released any hour now." The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the lawyer indicated the commutation will also release Dougherty from needing to pay approximately $1.6 million in restitution, and that he will not face monitoring or house arrest, but will be "a free man." Regarding these details, Bochetto confirmed to Fox News Digital, "It's all true."</p><p>Bochetto described the commutation as a "compassionate release" and noted its significance, stating that it was "remarkable in its humanity" and that it was "equally as remarkable" that a Republican president granted it to a Democratic political figure. He emphasized that it demonstrates that "doing the right thing" can be a bipartisan effort, expressing pride in Trump.</p><p>Bochetto added that he is "so happy for John, and particularly" for Dougherty's "gravely ill wife, who will now have her husband by her side." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House on Friday.</p><p>Dougherty, a former business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, was sentenced in 2024 to six years in prison. The U.S. Justice Department stated at the time that Dougherty had been sentenced in connection with embezzling funds from the union and in relation to payouts provided to a Philadelphia City Council member.</p><p>Then-U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero stated, "John Dougherty held himself out as Local 98’s biggest booster. But while he was backslapping his electricians with one hand, he was ripping them off with the other. He cheated Philadelphians, too, through his corrupt quid pro quo with Bobby Henon." Romero, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, added, "Our city and its workers deserve so much better than union bosses and politicians whose true priority is looking out for number one. I want to thank all of the investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and staff who partnered on this case, and, in doing so, stood up for integrity and the rule of law in Philadelphia."</p>