Agents were searching the home of Johnny “Doc” Dougherty, a bar called Doc’s Union Pub, the headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, and Councilman Bobby Henon’s offices. The FBI raided the union hall as part of an “ongoing investigation”.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation employees carry out boxes from the offices of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 in Philadelphia on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016.
Dougherty’s influence extends well beyond Philadelphia. Dougherty was standing outside his home, looking over documents and talking with friends and family.
Dougherty tells The Associated Press that nothing’s changed since the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched his home a decade ago except “the tomato bushes in the back”.
Sources tell FOX 29 a wide ranging investigation may involve searches of as many as 12 locations Friday.
Investigators were also on the scene of Councilman Bobby Henon’s office. Henon is a longtime union official who joined council in 2012.
Dougherty, 56, runs the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 and has always been a powerful political force in the city, most recently helping Mayor Jim Kenney win election past year. Specifics about the case have not been released. Dougherty and Local 98 say they are cooperating fully with this latest investigation.
Dougherty, 56, is considered a powerful political force in the city. From his offices at Local 98 he has reportedly channeled millions in campaign funds to those he wants in office or on the bench. Henon is Dougherty’s protege. Kenney said, “I know basically what you know, and as it plays out we will see what happens”. Dougherty, a powerful Democrat in local politics whose brother sits on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, has led the electricians’ union since 1993. The accuser said that Dougherty broke his nose.
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Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams and the state Attorney General’s office both investigated the incident but did not file charges.
