For centuries, it seems like politics has become increasingly intertwined with fraud and dishonesty. Sadly, this infamous ex Philadelphia councilman was one of those politicians who took advantage of their position to further their own personal gain. Unfortunately, this is just one politician who got caught, all the rest are still getting away with the corruption as we speak.
Former Democratic Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon was issued a hefty sentence of 3.5 years in prison recently for convictions of fraud, bribery and conspiracy. While in office, Henon was found to be heavily involved in assisting an international business manager’s interests, receiving lavish compensation including salary and other benefits as part of what appears to have been a widespread scheme of malfeasance. Hopeful he can serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity when holding elected office.
Daily Caller reports, a former Democratic Philadelphia City Councilman was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison Wednesday for fraud, bribery, and conspiracy, according to NBC 10 Philadelphia.
According to the Eastern Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office, Henon worked to support the interests of then-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Business Manager John Dougherty during his time on the council, receiving a salary and other valuables from Dougherty.
During a trial in 2021, Helenon was found guilty of bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and eight counts of honest services wire fraud, while Dougherty was found guilty of honest services fraud conspiracy and honest services wire fraud.
A sentence that should have been 10 years was dramatically reduced. Let’s find out why.
According to NBC 10, Henon did not resign until January 2022, following his conviction. The sentence includes a $50,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service.
Dougherty has still not been sentenced. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Dougherty’s separate federal embezzlement trial has been rescheduled for April, while his second federal trial will begin in September for allegedly threatening a union contractor trying to fire his nephew.
This recent case is a reminder of how the former councilman leftist politician got away with his corrupt behavior – with a mere 3.5 years’ sentence. This isn’t enough to set an example, or deter politicians from dishonest activity in the future. It’s not just this one instance – politicians across the nation have been let off with similarly lenient sentences far too often. If harsher punishments were handed out, we’d have much fewer public servants taking advantage of their positions for their personal gain. The justice system must take these cases more seriously in order for us to see true change – it’s time for corrupt politicians like the ex-councilman to be held accountable and suffer actual repercussions, not just get away with crying softly behind bars.
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