Former ironworkers business agent pleads guilty to arson, extortion

The former business agent who oversaw a Philadelphia ironworkers union's operations in the city pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal conspiracy, arson and extortion charges stemming from the group's penchant for violence and intimidation to secure work for its members.

Edward Sweeney, 55, is the union's highest-ranking member so far to admit guilt in a federal case that has also charged Joseph Dougherty, the longtime head of Ironworkers Local 401. His plea came as part of an agreement with prosecutors in which he admitted his role in some of the union's most high-profile acts of violence, including the 2012 torching of an under-construction Quaker meeting house in Chestnut Hill during a dispute over the contractors' refusal to hire union members.

"I just want to take responsibility for my actions," Sweeney told U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson during a hearing Tuesday morning.

Prosecutors characterized Sweeney as one of the union's most outspoken advocates for violence in an organization where extortion and intimidation were woven into the very fabric of its operations. Court documents paint him also as a man under pressure from increasingly recalcitrant contractors in the city and internal political pressures that threatened to oust him from his high-profile position.

He faces a minimum prison sentence of 15 years at a hearing scheduled for January.

Another of Sweeney's colleages - Sean Bailey, 34, of Philadelphia - also pleaded guilty to one count of extortion Tuesday. He faces up to 20 years in prison at a hearing in February.

Source: Philly.com