Federal Racketeering Case Against Ironworkers’ Boss Heads to Jury

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The defense has rested and the jury heard closing arguments today in the federal racketeering trial of former Philadelphia ironworkers’ union boss Joseph Dougherty.

After presenting a series of character witnesses who praised Dougherty’s reputation for generosity, caring, and honesty, the defense rested.

But prosecutor Rob Livermore told the jury the evidence proves beyond any doubt that Dougherty led Ironworkers Local 401 with a pattern of arson and extortions, and built an army of soldiers willing to do it, in an ongoing effort to force nonunion contractors to hire union workers.