President Trump signs commutation for former Philadelphia labor chief Johnny Doc

John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, who headed IBEW Local 98 for nearly three decades and was a prominent Democratic figure in Pennsylvania, is set for early release after President Trump signed a commutation, according to his attorney George Bochette. Dougherty was convicted in 2021 on bribery and fraud charges and received a six-year sentence in July 2024, with four years still to serve. His lawyer said the commutation was granted so Dougherty can attend to his gravely ill wife, Cecilia, whose private nursing costs have been exhausted.

Bochette mentioned a White House call confirming the decision and expects a crew to escort Dougherty from the Lewisburg federal prison on Friday morning. The Office of the Pardon Attorney website has not yet posted the approval, and it previously listed a denial in July.