FBI Investigation Into Philadelphia Electricians Union Expanding
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There's new developments in the federal investigation of Philadelphia's electricians union.
A union spokesman says the FBI searched the home of the new head of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, whom he says has helped the union with its charitable fund.
Mayor Kenney made James Moylan chairman of the Zoning Board in February. Kenney says he's not sure if Moylan will stay in the job because he doesn't know the details of the investigation or how Moylan may fit into it:
"I don't know what the extent of it is, if it's anything, again it's all speculation and as you know, these investigations are always done in a very private way and asking people to speculate on something I don't know anything about is very hard."
The investigation came to light last month when the FBI searched union headquarters, the home of its president, John Dougherty, and the homes or offices of other union employees, including city councilman Bobby Henon.
Electricians spokesman Frank Keel says the FBI also searched the chiropractic office of Moylan, though he says what they hoped to find is a mystery:
"Neither Dr. Moylan nor anyone associated with Local 98 has any idea why the government has an interest in him. Jim Moylan is John Dougherty's chiropractor and he's also a very dear and personal friend for more than 20 years. Jim is one of the most honorable family guys anyone could ever hope to meet."
The FBI has declined comment.
Moylan also declined comment. He has been active in his South Philadelphia community, serving for many years as head of the Pennsport Civic Association.
