FBI, Philadelphia Police Investigate Assault Allegation Involving Local Union Leader
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- CBS 3 has learned the FBI is now working along with Philadelphia Police investigating claims by a non-union electrician that he was punched in the face by Electricians Union Leader John J. Dougherty during a confrontation at a South Philadelphia workplace last month.
Surveillance video show non-union electrician Joshua Keesee being pulled down the sidewalk by another worker as Union Chief John J. Dougherty and 3 other men approach on the sidewalk along South 3rd Street.
Keesee's attorney claiming, out of camera range, he was punched by Dougherty in a dispute over non-union workers constructing homes nearby.
"He hit him with a left and a right combination, the other gentleman with Dougherty hit him 15 to 18 times," attorney Robert Mozenter told CBS 3's Walt Hunter.
While video shows an apparent scuffle, it's not clear who is involved and nowhere in the video is Dougherty seen striking anyone. Attorney Mozenter explaining that his client fought back punching one of the men with Dougherty.
"He does defend himself, he does hit him back," Mozenter said.
A spokesperson for Dougherty, who declined a request to interview the union leader, issued a statement reading, in part, "John Dougherty …was involved in a brief, physical altercation with a contractor at a notorious ,non-union job site. John Dougherty was not the aggressor…ducked the contractor's punch and countered with a punch to the assailant's face."
"I walked outside and I just seen a commotion out here, the sun glare was so bad, I really couldn't see much," said auto body shop owner Jim Reid, whose cameras captured the video, explaining it wasn't clear to him what was happening outside his shop.
"He walks back and forth," Reid told Hunter. "I didn't even know who he was until he shook my hand and said who he was."
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed in the incident, District Attorney Seth Williams citing an unspecified conflict, sending the case to Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane's office for a decision on whether anyone would be prosecuted. Kane, citing Dougherty's contribution to her campaign in 2013, recused herself, adding in an email statement: "The Office of Attorney General employs capable attorneys who are prepared to make the decision whether to accept and/or prosecute a potential assault case."
The FBI and Philadelphia Police both decline comment, a police spokesperson explaining the investigation has been completed and it's up to prosecutors to decide what, if any, charges should be filed.
Meanwhile, Mozenter stated, as he awaits a decision, he plans to file a civil suit against Dougherty.
