The trash haulers came from Citizens Alliance, a nonprofit neighborhood-service agency that was implicated in the recent federal indictment against its founder, Fumo.
The indictment alleges that the agency bought tools, vacuums and vehicles for Fumo's personal use, and supplied workers to help maintain the senator's homes and a 100-acre farm near Harrisburg.
Dougherty said he feared the agency was on a spying mission. He called Citizens Alliance "the KGB of Philadelphia." Fumo and Dougherty have long battled for political power in South Philadelphia.
Christian DiCicco, executive director of the agency, termed "Doc's delusions" absurd. He said the men were picking up trash around a notorious illegal dumping site at Moyamensing Avenue and McKean Street.
"The allegation that my guys went through trash is as laughable as the thought of my guys even knowing who the hell Harry Foy is or where John Dougherty lives," DiCicco said.
On the other hand, federal prosecutors say Fumo used Senate money to have a private eye follow Dougherty for months in 2002.
- Thomas Fitzgerald
Keys to success
Quick: What do Comcast chief executive officer Brian Roberts, mayoral candidate Tom Knox, and former Philadelphia Mayor William J. Green 3d have in common?
They've all slept under the same roof - albeit years apart.
In 1977, Green bought a 1920s stone colonial on the 400 block of West Chestnut Hill Avenue. But he and his family packed their bags for new digs in 1984 - the same year Green moved out of City Hall after wrapping up his first and only mayoral term.
Next in was Knox, the millionaire candidate who wants to be Philly's next mayor.
