Jury selection is poised to kick off on Wednesday in the long-awaited second act of the government’s relentless pursuit of justice, implicating the once-mighty former Philadelphia union honcho, John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty. This upcoming milestone arrives after a labyrinth of legal acrobatics, including a slew of delays and attorney switches, all orchestrated within the lengthy shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trial of Former Philly Union Leader : The Accused
Dougherty, who once held sway as the influential business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, and his co-defendant Brian Burrows, the former president of the local, will soon find themselves in the hot seat. They stand accused of orchestrating a grand conspiracy to pocket the union’s hard-earned cash and assets. This saga unfolds nearly two years after the initial trial concluded with Dougherty’s conviction for bribing a Philadelphia city councilman.
A Battle in Jury Selection
As the gavel drops on the trial, both the prosecution and defense are meticulously poring over prospective jurors’ affiliations and opinions. Their proposed voir dire questions, submitted earlier this week, delve deep into the potential jurors’ union connections, work stoppages, or business involvements, making the selection process as intriguing as the courtroom showdown itself.
