PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Longtime Philadelphia union leader John Dougherty was released from Lewisburg Federal Prison on Friday afternoon after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence on Thursday. He is on his way to Philadelphia.
Dougherty’s attorney George Bocchetto said the president signed the commutation in “a remarkable show of bipartisanship.” Dougherty was a kingmaker in Democratic city politics, but Bocchetto said his situation — serving time in Lewisburg federal prison, separated from his gravely ill wife Cecilia — cried out for compassion.
The Trump administration had rejected Dougherty’s pleas for compassionate release as recently as two months ago, but Bocchetto said he persisted, sending documents and videos to demonstrate Dougherty’s need for release.
Dougherty was sentenced to six years for corruption, bribery and embezzlement and has served less than two.
Dougherty’s successor as head of the Building Trades Council, Ryan Boyer, welcomed the news.
He said he considered the federal case “over-prosecution” and said Trump had righted a wrong. Democratic City Committee Chair Bob Brady was also happy. He said Dougherty will be with his sick wife, which is where he belongs.
This is a breaking story. Stay with KYW Newsradio as more information develops.
President Donald Trump commuted his 6-year sentence
President Donald Trump commuted his 6-year sentence
