Former head of Philadelphia electricians’ union IBEW Local 98

John Dougherty

a.k.a. “Johnny Doc”

He was convicted of embezzling from his union, and of bribery and honest-services fraud involving a city councilmember. He got six years. His sentence was commuted as part of a 30-person batch in September 2026.

Rap sheet

Convicted of: Embezzling union and benefit-plan assets; wire fraud; false union reports; false tax returns; honest services fraud and federal program bribery [1]
Court: Eastern District of Pennsylvania [1]
Sentenced: July 11, 2024: 72 months [1]
Granted: Commutation, September 3, 2026 [2]

The receipt

PARDONMAXXING JOHN DOUGHERTY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wiped off the books

Prison [3] Most of a 6-year sentence

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Gold is money that was reportedly spent near the President’s orbit. Red is what the grant wiped away. We list what was reported and when. We don’t claim one caused the other. How we count.

Timeline

July 11, 2024 The law Sentenced to six years. [1]
September 3, 2026 The pardon Commuted as part of a 30-person batch. [2][3]

Detective’s notes

Commentary

A commutation shortens the sentence and leaves the conviction in place. So on paper he is still an embezzler, just one with a lot more free time.

Sources

Clemency grants by President Donald J. Trump, 2025–present (archived Sept. 20, 2026) U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Pardon Attorney, via the Internet Archive
Signed clemency warrant: John Dougherty U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Pardon Attorney · September 3, 2026
Trump grants clemency to 30 people, White House pardon czar says Reuters via U.S. News · September 4, 2026