Joseph Dougherty, Labor Racketeering, Pennsylvania 2015

Corrupt Union Leader Sentenced to 230 Months in Prison

In a shocking display of greed and violence, former Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 401, Joseph Dougherty, was convicted of leading a RICO conspiracy that involved more than a dozen union members. The scheme, which spanned several years, included a systematic pattern of extortion, arson, and assault designed to force non-union companies to hire union Ironworkers.

According to prosecutors, Dougherty and his co-conspirators committed 25 racketeering acts, including arsons at major construction sites in and around Philadelphia. The brazen crimes sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to wonder how such a massive conspiracy could have gone unchecked for so long.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Livermore, who prosecuted the case, was honored by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 32nd annual Director’s Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. The award recognized Livermore’s outstanding work in dismantling the corrupt union’s activities.

Livermore’s tireless efforts resulted in the conviction of Dougherty and 11 other members of Local 401, who pleaded guilty before trial. The sentences handed down to the conspirators were severe, with Dougherty receiving 230 months in prison for his leadership role in the racketeering conspiracy.

In a statement, United States Attorney Zane David Memeger praised Livermore’s work, saying, ‘Rob’s hard work and determination in this complex racketeering case exemplifies the commitment that members of my office have towards the pursuit of justice. Rob’s efforts resulted in the dismantling of a dangerous conspiracy and long prison terms for the individuals who had resorted to extortion and violence as a way of doing business.’

The Eastern District of Pennsylvania was one of 33 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building. The EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country.

Deputy Attorney General Yates lauded the awardees, saying, ‘The achievements being recognized today reflect the breadth of the department’s responsibilities, and some of our most significant challenges. From dismantling dangerous gangs, drug cartels, and human trafficking operations to tackling political corruption, white collar crimes, and international terrorism, these awardees have taken on our toughest cases. And the citizens of our country are safer because of their work.’

Director Wilkinson added, ‘We honor the truly talented and dedicated legal and administrative personnel in the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and our law enforcement partners who everyday touch lives in our communities, protect the American people, and work to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.’

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