READ: Dougherty, Henon, 6 others charged with embezzlement, theft, wire fraud
Dressed in a dark gray suit with his hands clasped in front, 50-year-old Henon denied the charges filed against him. Federal prosecutors say he was a pawn for union leader Dougherty, handling City Council matters as Dougherty wanted, in exchange for a union salary and tickets to Eagles games and the like.
"This is a travesty of justice," said Henon’s defense attorney, Brian McMonagle. "When he ran for public office, he ran as a union member to fight and be a voice for people who go to work every day, who are part of a union, who built these skyscrapers. And when he got to City Council, he reported every single dollar, every cent that he was paid, as a union employee. Never lied about it, never committed fraud about it.
"This never had anything to do with money," he added, "this had to do with loyalty to a brotherhood that he's a member of."
Henon was released on his own recognizance of $50,000 and had to turn in his passport. He can only travel in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, unless otherwise given permission by a judge.
His next court date has not yet been scheduled.