Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Friday were searching the offices of a powerful Philadelphia electricians’ union.
The agents were seen at the offices of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98. An FBI spokesperson told NBC10 agents were “carrying out court-authorized law enforcement activity” but did not immediately elaborate.
Though it was unclear what the FBI was looking for, the union has been clouded by controversy, with its leader federally indicted last year on corruption and tax charges. An attorney for Local 98 leader John Dougherty said union officials were still gathering information on the nature of the warrants.
This is also not the first time the FBI has searched the union's offices
A similar FBI raid four years ago led to the indictment last year of Dougherty, Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon and six other Local 98 officials and members on bribery and embezzlement charges.
Federal prosecutors have accused Dougherty of bribing Henon for years with a union salary in order to buy his influence and council vote on matters of interest to the union. Dougherty, Henon and the other defendants have maintained their innocence.
