Trump Commutes Former Union Leader John Dougherty’s Corruption Sentence

President Donald Trump commuted former Philadelphia labor union leader John Dougherty’s six-year prison sentence on Sept. 3, according to Dougherty’s lawyer, George Bochetto.

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The commutation was issued so Dougherty can care for his ill wife, Bochetto explained to CBS News Philadelphia. “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 told the outlet.

Dougherty’s previous commutation request was denied in July 2026, according to the Justice Department’s (DOJ) Office of the Pardon Attorney.

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Bochetto also praised Trump’s compassion in issuing the commutation.

“I must say, President Trump really steps up on this matter. It’s no secret that Johnny Dougherty was a powerful Democratic politician working for Democrats in Democratic elections across the board, and for a Republican president to step up and grant this kind of compassionate release I think really says a lot about the man,” Bochetto said.

Dougherty was the business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)’s Local 98. In 2023, he was convicted of embezzling more than $600,000 from the union, CBS News Philadelphia reported. (RELATED: Local Mom Dragged Into Court For Trying To Expose Underhanded Data Center Deals)

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Dougherty was also previously convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and seven counts of honest services wire fraud during a 2021 federal corruption trial, according to the outlet.

Dougherty was accused of trading perks such as Eagles tickets and a union salary with benefits with former City Councilmember Bobby Henon in exchange for influence in City Hall, according to Philly Voice. His sentencing covered both cases.

While Bochetto said he had not yet spoken to Dougherty about the commutation as of Thursday night, Dougherty’s wife Cecilia was happy to hear he would be coming home, NBC 10 Philadelphia reported.

Bochetto said Dougherty could be released from prison as soon as Thursday night or Friday.

Dougherty served two years of his six-year prison sentence, according to the outlet.

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