New Jersey

NJ Contractor, Philly Union Leader Ally, Gets 18 Months in Prison

George Peltz, MJK Electrical Corp. co-owner, was sentenced Monday on earlier pleas to federal charges

What to Know

  • George Peltz acknowledged providing free home and office improvements to Johnny Dougherty, head of IBEW Local 98.
  • The MJK Electrical Corp. co-owner was sentenced Monday on earlier pleas to federal charges.
  • Peltz apologized in court and provided $958,000 in restitution.

A New Jersey electrical contractor and longtime ally of a powerful Philadelphia labor leader indicted earlier this year has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that George Peltz, MJK Electrical Corp. co-owner, was sentenced Monday on earlier pleas to federal charges including making unlawful payments to a union official, tax fraud and theft from an employee benefit fund.

Peltz acknowledged providing free home and office improvements to Johnny Dougherty, head of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Prosecutors said the union steered millions of dollars in work to Peltz during the same period.

Peltz apologized Monday and provided $958,000 in restitution.

Dougherty faces embezzlement and fraud charges, accused along with members of his inner circle of having misspent $600,000 in union funds.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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