Prosecutor Hints at More Indictments in Phila. Ironworkers' Union Probe
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A prosecutor today told a federal judge that more indictments may be coming in the probe of Ironworkers Local 401.
Today, at a pretrial scheduling hearing in the case, federal prosecutor Robert Livermore said the ongoing investigation of that Philadelphia union has led to new complaints that could generate more charges.
A grand jury indictment returned last month alleged the local ironworkers' union used violence -- arson and assaults with baseball bats -- to force contractors to hire union ironworkers (see related story).
Livermore says in a motion that the ongoing investigation has revealed a pattern of conduct that extended far beyond the eleven incidents of arson and extortion alleged in the indictment.
"As I mention in my motion, judge, we are still investigating this case," Livermore said in court. "Since this indictment has become public, there's been other victims that have come forward. They have talked to the FBI. We are still in the process of investigating those additional complaints. If there is something that arises, we may issue a superseding indictment in this case. That is certainly possible."
All the defendants, including Local 401 business manager Joe Dougherty, have pleaded not guilty.