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Jailing Kids For Cash
Ursus:
[Local news video coverage of the following story accessible from title link.]
Local news / Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne County Corruption Scandal Update
Friday, Mar 13, 2009 @09:42pm EST
Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County -
Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan came to federal court in Scranton in February to plead guilty to fraud. They admit to taking millions of dollars in kickbacks in connection with the construction and operation of the juvenile detention center in Pittston Township. The F.B.I. calls it a "Cash for Kids scheme". They face at least 7 years in prison.
Both judges had to resign within 10 days of their sentencing, which won't happen for several months. But on Thursday, Ciavarella sent this letter to the governor's office. It was a one line statement saying he would resign at the close of business, Monday March 16th.
Today was also the last day on the job for Luzerne County Prothonotary Jill Moran. She is cooperating with federal authorities and agreed to resign today. She contacted the U.S. attorney's office saying she was aware of fraud and other criminal activity by others. She could face charges if investigators believe she is lying to them. She has agreed to take a lie detector test as she works with federal authorities.
The I-team has also learned that F.B.I. agents were once again in the Luzerne County courthouse this week interviewing several court employees. Sources close to the case tell us those interviews had to do with civil cases and arbitration cases.
None of this comes as a surprise. Valerie Landers, of Wilkes-Barre says, "People are suffering over their greed. It’s a money thing. It's greed that's what it is."
We also learned today that the judge appointed to review juvenile cases was handled by Civarella. He has sent recommendations to the state supreme court. The question is many of those teenagers were sent away without being represented by a lawyer.
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2009 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
Ursus:
[Local news video coverage of the following story accessible from title link.]
Local news / Wilkes-Barre, PA
New Faces Take Over in Luzerne County
Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Monday, Mar 16, 2009 @05:29pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- More evidence of sweeping changes in Luzerne County's legal system stemming from the investigation into corruption at Luzerne County Courthouse.
Two Luzerne County Prison Board members were sworn into service Monday morning. Luzerne County President Judge Chester Muroski administered the oath to Chester Zaremba and Charles Erickson. Both are now civilian members of the board.
The men were chosen from more than 20 applicants. Luzerne County prison's been the center of controversy ranging from no-bid contracts to overcrowding.
And Luzerne County's new acting Prothonotary was also sworn into office. 38-year-old Elizabeth Decker of Conyngham takes over the office vacated by Jill Moran.
Moran agreed last month with federal prosecutors to resign from office and cooperate with investigators looking into corruption at the courthouse. Documents show Moran voluntarily came forward claiming others tried to use her to carry out fraudulent acts.
She's not charged with any crime and denies any wrongdoing.
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2009 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
Ursus:
[Local news video coverage of the following story accessible from title link.]
Local news / Wilkes-Barre, PA
Latest in Luzerne County Corruption Investigation
Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009 @05:33pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- President Judge Chester Muroski announced Luzerne County Court is asking state court officials to investigate all financial Wilkes-Barre court transactions.
Muroski also called on Governor Rendell to fill the bench seat left vacant by Mark Ciavarella's resignation.
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2009 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
Ursus:
[Local news video coverage of the following story accessible from title link.]
Local news / Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne Co. Probation Worker to Plead Guilty
Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009 @05:32pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- A suspended Luzerne County probation worker has agreed to plead guilty in connection with corruption at the courthouse.
Federal authorities announced 56-year-old Sandy Brulo will plead guilty to a felony obstruction of justice charge. She's also agreed to cooperate with federal investigators.
Federal agents say Brulo tampered with juvenile records in her job as forensic program director at probation services. That office worked closely with former judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan.
Investigators say the altered records would have been used by federal investigators in a future court hearing.
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2009 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
wdtony:
If people keep "cooperating" we may never hear the end of this corruption. Seems like the whole system there in Luzerne Co. is part of this.
I wonder where the next Luzerne, PA will be? Probably not in Texas, Florida or Utah seeing as how those states seem to protect corruption.
bump.
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