Brian Macmonagle: Latest News

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia judge will let a jury weigh criminal charges against an Amtrak engineer charged in a deadly 2015 derailment — although she expressed skepticism that the trial evidence this past week supports the charges.The on-again, off-again case against engineer Brandon Bostian, 38, could go to a jury Thursday afternoon. The charges include causing a catastrophe, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.Eight people died and more than 200 people were injured when the train rounded a curve at more than twice the speed limit and derailed.In court Thursday, Common Pleas Court Judge Barbara McDermott said she was reserving judgment on whether or not the evidence was sufficient to prove the crimes charged.

PHILADELPHIA - A former Philadelphia council member convicted along with a prominent labor leader in a federal public corruption case has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison.Prosecutors say Bobby Henon, a former union electrician who was elected to the city council in 2011, got a no-show job from the union to ensure he did its bidding. Also convicted was John Dougherty, longtime business manager of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.Henon was convicted in November 2021 of 10 counts including conspiracy, bribery, and honest services mail and wire fraud.He choked back tears Wednesday as he told the judge he never viewed his paycheck as a bribe and tried his best to help everyone in Philadelphia, "especially those who were vulnerable and those in need" — but "by putting the interest of my union first, I failed you."Henon was fined $50,000 and ordered to hand over $207,000, which is how much he received from Dougherty and Local 98, the newspaper reported.He was ordered to report to prison April 17.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia judge dismissed charges against a former city cop who was captured on camera striking a student protester with a metal baton during a peaceful protest last summer, according to court documents.Former Police Staff Inspector Joseph Bologna, 54, was freed from charges of reckless endangerment, possession of an instrument of crime and felony aggravated assault. Bologna's attorney said a lack of evidence from witnesses lead to the charges being dismissed.

PHILADELPHIA - A judge has reinstated all charges brought against an Amtrak engineer for his role in a high-speed derailment in Philadelphia that killed eight people.