Judge In Trial Of Philadelphia Ironworkers Union Boss Denies Request To Excuse Juror
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The judge presiding over the racketeering trial of former Philadelphia Ironworkers Local 401 leader Joseph Dougherty has been asked to excuse one of the jurors.
Dougherty is accused of operating the ironworkers union like an organized crime operation to get work for union members.
On Tuesday, Judge Michael Baylson questioned the juror with only the lawyers and the defendant in the courtroom after she told court personnel she has friends who are friends with one of the alleged victims whose business was targeted in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Defense lawyer Fortunato Perri Jr. said she should be excused because when questioned she could not put aside her friendship issues. Perri also noted that there are four alternate jurors available.
Judge Baylson denied the request for now, since it was only the second day of the trial. He said he would take it under advisement and may revisit the issue later.
The judge stressed to the juror that she should strive to be fair and impartial. The issue was not her friends' friend, but whether the government could prove that Joseph Dougherty was criminally responsible.
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