Former Ironworkers' Union Boss Sentenced To 19 Years In Prison
By Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On Monday, a former Ironworkers' union leader was sentenced for his role in using violence against non-union contractors.
Seventy-three-year-old Joe Dougherty was sentenced to 19 years in prison, after being convicted of conspiracy, arson and extortion.
The feds indicted Dougherty and 10 other union members last February. The other members plead guilty and Dougherty was the only one who stood trial.
Prosecutor Robert Livenmoore says the wiretap phone conversations are proof of his guilt.
"He's the telling them that if they try and build this building, without using union labor, they are going to tear it down and steal the iron. It's his actions, it's his words, it's what he directed them to do, that's what he's convicted of."
The judge compared Dougherty to Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth, saying though Dougherty stayed behind the scenes, he encouraged and rewarded members below him to commit the acts of violence.
Dougherty's family, friends and members of the Ironworkers Local 401, shouted words of encouragement for him.
Joe Mathis is a friend and a supporter.
"Joe Doc was dead set against the violence. Joe Doc told us more times than I can count: The only way to beat them is to do it faster than them, and we always did and we always will."
The judge said he took into account Dougherty's health and age, but also noted that prison had plenty of medical professionals to tend to an inmate. He said as a leader, Dougherty should have put an end to the violence, but instead sat back and let it continue.
His attorneys plan to appeal the conviction.
Dougherty has been ordered to pay into a joint restitution account, totaling $558 thousand, which the other 10 members also are ordered to pay in to.