John ‘Johnny Doc’ Dougherty, a former Philadelphia labor leader, received an early release from prison. This followed President Trump’s decision to sign a commutation ending his six-year sentence early. George Bochetto, Dougherty’s attorney, confirmed the news to CBS News Philadelphia.
Dougherty faced conviction for bribing a city councilmember and embezzling approximately $600,000 from Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. His first trial in November 2021 also found him guilty on counts of bribery and fraud, involving former Councilmember Bobby Henon to advance work and projects for IBEW Local 98. Initially sentenced to six years in July 2024, Dougherty had four years remaining.
As of Thursday night, the Office of the Pardon Attorney’s website did not yet confirm the commutation approval. In the past, President Trump denied a similar request for Dougherty in July. Despite this, the commutation signed by Trump aims to allow Dougherty to care for his gravely ill wife, Cecilia Dougherty. She urgently requires care due to depleted funds for private nursing.
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. Cecilia Dougherty is in desperate need of care. Her money has run out for private nursing, and she desperately needs John by her side. And that’s why now.
Bochetto expressed hope for Dougherty’s release from the Lewisburg federal penitentiary on Friday morning. Arrangements were being made to have a crew there to bring him to his wife. Bochetto had received a call from the White House Thursday afternoon informing him of the commutation.
Dougherty led IBEW Local 98 for nearly three decades and was a prominent Democratic figure in Pennsylvania politics. Despite his Democratic ties, Bochetto acknowledged gratitude to President Trump for transcending partisan politics. Trump, a Republican, recognized the importance and compassionate nature of Dougherty’s case, allowing him to return home to care for his wife.
Prosecutors opposed Dougherty’s request, suggesting he had not served sufficient time to warrant release. CBS News Philadelphia reached out to the White House to confirm the commutation and is awaiting a reply.