FOUR DEFENDANTS in the Ironworkers union case pleaded not
guilty yesterday to a second set of racketeering-conspiracy charges in federal
court.
Joseph Dougherty, the former longtime head of Ironworkers
Local Union 401; ex-business agents Christopher Prophet and William O'Donnell;
and member Richard Ritchie will face trial Jan. 5.
Now, it appears four other defendants may plead guilty in
the case. Yesterday, a change-of-plea hearing was scheduled for Sept. 23 for
defendant Greg Sullivan. However, his lawyer, Rocco Cipparone Jr., said by
email that he could not confirm whether Sullivan would plead guilty. "He
presently has, of course, entered a not guilty plea," Cipparone said.
On Wednesday, three defense lawyers told the Daily News that
their clients - James Walsh, William Gillin and Francis Sean O'Donnell - will
plead guilty at hearings next month.
Indictments filed in February and last month accused the
Ironworkers' former top leadership and other members of threatening, committing
or conspiring acts of violence against contractors in an effort to force them
to hire union members on their jobs.
Also indicted was Edward Sweeney, another former business
agent. His lawyer, Carmen Nasuti III, said yesterday that Sweeney intends to
face trial Jan. 5.
Robert Gamburg, lawyer for a 10th defendant, Daniel
Hennigar, when asked if his client plans to plead guilty, said in an email that
Hennigar "is presently weighing his options."
Source: Philly.com
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