2 more Philadelphia ironworkers plead in intimidation case

PHILADELPHIA -- Two more ironworkers have pleaded guilty in a union violence case that involves the arson of a Quaker meeting house near Philadelphia.

Prosecutors say 53-year-old Edward Sweeney of Philadelphia has admitted a role in two fires and 10 extortion attempts.

Authorities say 34-year-old Shawn Bailey of Philadelphia has pleaded guilty Tuesday to extorting a non-union contractor.

They join four others who pleaded guilty last week. The group is expected to be sentenced early next year, after the trial of union business manager Joseph Dougherty. He is fighting the charges.

Sweeney's lawyer, Richard J. Fuschino Jr., calls his client a hard-working family man who hopes his plea will "right a wrong."

Bailey's lawyer did not immediately return a message.

Authorities say the crimes are designed to intimidate developers using non-union labor.