Former Philly union head returns home after commutation

Former Philadelphia Labor Leader John Doherty is now a free man. The longtime head of IBEW Local 98 is now back in Center City and reportedly back with his wife. Dylan Scott live tonight in Center City. Dylan, he served two years in a federal prison for embezzlement, bribery and other crimes. But President Trump commuted Johnny Dock's sentence. Yeah, Jason, good evening and obviously we've spent hours in front of Johnny Doherty's residence here in Center City trying to get a comment from him now that he is out of federal prison. But the Labor Union leader staying out of the spotlight tonight, instead choosing a quiet night as he is now officially a free man. After two years in federal prison, famed Philadelphia Labor Union leader Johnny Dock Doherty returned home Friday night. His attorney, George Pachetto, sharing the news of what he calls a long-awaited commutation from President Donald Trump. I got a call from the White House and the folks that are in charge of commutations called me and said, George, we've got great news for you. And they told me and I was floored to say the least. Doherty, a decades-long political broker and forces head of the IBEW Local 98 Union, was serving six years at a Lewisburg prison for being found guilty in two separate trials of bribery, embezzlement and theft. Pachetto says his commuted sentence was one of compassion, so he can care for his gravely ill wife, Cecilia, battling a brain injury. Celia Doherty is in grave health. She needs 24-7 care. Her money has run out. She has no money left for nursing care. Someone has to be by her side or she'll pass. And that somebody is John Doherty. A man with a penchant for the spotlight. Doherty sidestepped the onslaught of reporters waiting his return to Center City Friday night. Sources saying he instead ordered dinner from Shea Steaks next door and opted to spend the evening out of the public eye. Time will tell if Doherty will stay there. But on this night, he is indeed a free man, thanks to the aid of an unlikely source. John Doherty was for many years the most powerful Democrat in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania politics. And Donald Trump's a Republican. But it shows you how the right thing, the compassionate thing, the humane thing can sometimes rise above politics. Now back out here live. No information yet if there are any specific restrictions related to Doherty's commutation. We've also reached out for further comment and we'll let you know when we hear back. Reporting live in Center City, Dylan Scott, Fox 29 News.