Gus Dougherty, electrical contractor, gets two years

South Philadelphia electrical contractor Donald "Gus" Dougherty Jr. was sentenced to two years in prison today after pleading guilty to 99 criminal counts, including embezzlement, fraud, theft and tax evasion.

Prosecutors accused Dougherty of doing $115,600 in free work at the Moyamensing Avenue home of labor leader John J. Dougherty (who is no relation). Under federal labor law, it is a violation for an employer who uses union labor to give things of value to union leaders.

Gus Dougherty, 42, also pleaded guilty last May to embezzling $869,599 from the health and welfare fund managed for members by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98.

Prosecutors were seeking a prison term equal to at least 41 months.

In a court filing, Gus Dougherty's attorney said the contractor was "truly remorseful, ashamed of his misconduct, but blaming no one but himself."

Eric Sitarchuk, Dougherty's attorney, wrote that his behavior was affected by out-of-control drinking and excessive spending.