Assistant U.S. Attorney Honored By Department Of Justice At Awards Ceremony

PHILADELPHIA – Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Livermore, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, was one of 160 recipients recognized by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 32nd annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.  The award is being announced by United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

Livermore was recognized for his outstanding work in prosecuting one of the largest labor racketeering cases in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  In 2015, a jury convicted Joseph Dougherty, former Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 401, of leading a RICO conspiracy that involved more than a dozen union members.  In a systematic pattern of extortion, arson, and assault designed to force non-union companies to hire union Ironworkers, Dougherty and union members committed 25 racketeering acts, including arsons at major construction sites in and around Philadelphia.  Dougherty was sentenced to 230 months in prison for his leadership role in the racketeering conspiracy.  Eleven members of Local 401 pled guilty before trial. The work of Mr. Livermore sent a strong message in the Philadelphia area that corrupt union practices, violence, and threats of violence in labor activities will be met with severe punishment.

“This office is fortunate to have a rich pool of talented prosecutors and staff members who are dedicated to public service,” said Memeger. “Rob’s hard work and determination in this complex racketeering case exemplifies the commitment that members of my office have towards the pursuit of justice. Rob's efforts resulted in the dismantling of a dangerous conspiracy and long prison terms for the individuals who had resorted to extortion and violence as a way of doing business.”

In her prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Yates said, “The achievements being recognized today reflect the breadth of the department’s responsibilities, and some of our most significant challenges.   From dismantling dangerous gangs, drug cartels and human trafficking operations to tackling political corruption, white collar crimes, and international terrorism, these awardees have taken on our toughest cases.  And the citizens of our country are safer because of their work.”

“We honor the truly talented and dedicated legal and administrative personnel in the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and our law enforcement partners who everyday touch lives in our communities, protect the American people, and work to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice,” said Director Wilkinson.

The Eastern District of Pennsylvania was one of 33 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.