Union Boss 'Johnny Doc' Pens Letter To Members Amid FBI Investigation
By Joe Holden, Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was two and a half weeks ago when FBI agents fanned out across Philadelphia. Armed with federal search warrants, investigators raided homes and businesses connected to Local 98 and longtime union power broker John Dougherty.
The mystery of what it's all about deepened on Wednesday afternoon. Dougherty claimed in a letter to his members that the work of the U.S. attorney and FBI are part of a comprehensive attack on the Union.
"If these investigations were simply about me, I'd retire today and save our union any additional headaches," he said in the letter.
As part of the raid, agents also visited City Councilman Bobby Henon's office at City Hall. Aside from his elected position, Henon also works at Local 98.
The federal government has declined to comment on its ongoing and active investigation. Dougherty suggests the union's recent successful efforts in backing political candidates has drawn federal attention.
He writes:
"We helped elect Brendan Boyle to the U.S. Congress. We were probably the first and strongest supporters of Jim Kenney for Mayor and recently helped him launch his unprecedented 'Rebuild Philadelphia' program."
Dougherty has run the Local 98 for more than two decades.
CBS 3 reached out to the office of Mayor Kenney and they had no comment. The FBI had no comment as well.