Philly Councilman Bobby Henon Resigns After Corruption Conviction

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon resigned from his position Thursday about two after being convicted of federal corruption charges.

Henon, 52, was elected to the city's sixth district in 2011 and won his third term in 2019.

He and electrical union boss John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty were convicted in November of federal corruption crimes after being charged in January 2018.

Henon was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, eight counts of honest services wire fraud, and one count of bribery.

Mayor Jim Kenney Thursday said Henon's decision to step down was the right decision and stood by his record as an elected official.

"As I’ve said before, I’ve always believed that Councilmember Henon would do what he feels is right for his constituents, for the people of Philadelphia, and for the entire city," Kenney said in a statement Thursday. "While he must now face the consequences of his past decisions, it is important to evaluate the entirety of a person’s contributions to public service throughout their whole career. He has been a consistent, strong advocate for the working families of Philadelphia throughout his ten years of service on City Council."

Philadelphia City Council President Darryl Clarke will decide when to hold an election for the sixth district seat.

The honest services wire fraud convictions against Henon and Dougherty were premised on the following schemes proven at trial: L&I/CHOP; Plumbing Code/Building Trades; Towing; Comcast; and Soda Tax #2. The additional honest services wire fraud count against Henon was predicated on a $5,000 campaign contribution from CWA to Henon's campaign bank account. The bribery conviction against Henon was based on the same $5,000 check, written on the account of the CWA.

Henon, Dougherty, and others affiliated with Local 98 were charged by indictment in January 2019.

The trials were bifurcated thereafter, leaving Dougherty and the other defendants to stand trial on the embezzlement and tax fraud charges at a later date.

Dougherty and Henon defrauded the City of Philadelphia and its citizens of the right to Henon's honest services as a member of the City Council, authorities said.

Evidence presented at trial showed Henon received a salary and other things of value from Dougherty and, in exchange, Henon used his position as a member of City Council to serve Dougherty's interests.