Johnny Doc’s Ally Marita Crawford Gets Job on Philadelphia City Council

Philadelphia City Councilman Jim Harrity often talks about second chances. And he’s offering a huge one to a friend who’s spent the last few years battling federal fraud charges.

Harrity, a citywide Democrat, announced Tuesday that he has hired a up-to-date legislative director: Marita Crawford, former political director of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

In April, she spent 15 days behind bars after pleading guilty to wire fraud and theft of union funds in what federal prosecutors said was a extensive embezzlement scheme led by John J. Dougherty, Local 98’s longtime business manager.

Crawford pleaded guilty in 2022 and agreed to repay nearly $12,000 in stolen funds. She was sentenced this year to three months of house arrest after her incarceration — meaning her house arrest ended in July — and is scheduled to be on probation until 2027.

» READ MORE: Marita Crawford, one of union leader Johnny Doc’s closest allies, sentenced to 15 days in jail in connection with embezzlement case

Harrity Is longtime Democratic City Committee staffer who has close relationships with union leaders, including Dougherty. He said Crawford will be start a up-to-date job in November after the general election because He is currently working with the city commission to run the campaign.

Crawford will focus on policymaking, Harrity said, and “will not be involved in finance.”

“She’s done her time,” he said. “Sometimes when you work for people, you have to do what you have to do. That wouldn’t be a problem for me. All I want to do is help people. She wants to get back to what makes her happy, which is serving people. She deserves to be able to earn a living.”

Crawford is no stranger to the City Council and has long been entrenched in Philadelphia politics. She served three years under former Councilman Bill Green, and worked closely with political insiders at the city and state levels when she was She is the Political Director of Local 98 and has previously considered running for city council.

Crawford’s attorney said that after she was charged and resigned from the union, she worked part-time as a political consultant.

Crawford’s city salary was not immediately available. Harrity’s current legislative director, who said he is leaving to take a job in Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration, makes $81,000 a year, according to city payroll records. Council members have the right to hire their own employees under council rules.

» READ MORE: John Dougherty’s stunning statements at sentencing triggered a twist few expected

Harrity has known Dougherty for 25 years and has steadfastly supported him through his legal woes, including writing a letter of reference before his federal sentencing this year. The council member, who has been open about his own battle with alcoholism, wrote that Dougherty played “a pivotal role in my recovery and success.”

“Throughout the most difficult times of my life, including my struggle with addiction, John was my mentor and friend,” Harrity wrote. “He never abandoned me, even when others did.”

Dougherty, who worked with Crawford to build Local 98 into the state’s most politically influential union, was sentenced last month to six years in federal prison after convictions for bribery and embezzlement. He apologized to his union members and took “full responsibility.”

Crawford also expressed remorse at her sentencing hearing earlier this year, admitting she was responsible for her crimes, which included using union money for personal expenses like hotel stays and restaurant bills.

“I made a mistake and I alone take responsibility for it,” she said, adding: “I will never put myself in that situation again.”

Inquirer journalists Jeremy Roebuck and Oona Goodin-Smith contributed to this article.