Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > News Items
Jailing Kids For Cash
Ursus:
--- Quote from: "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.
--- End quote ---
Well, here's an article re. a neighboring county in Pennsylvania taking steps to ensure that they won't be the next "Luzerne County," lol...
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[Local news video coverage of the following story accessible from title link.]
Local news / Wilkes-Barre, PA
Monroe Co. Announces Plan to Avoid Scandals
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Mar 23, 2009 @04:35pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - The Luzerne County judge scandal has many people worried about the integrity of the judicial system. People in Monroe County are doing their best to make sure all six people running for judge are honest.
Two judges plead guilty of corruption and the scandal echoes across the state. "We were distraught about it," said Alexander Bensinger of Monroe County.
When Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciaverella and Michael Conahan admitted to scandal people in Monroe county wanted to make sure nothing like it would ever happen in the Poconos. "It highlighted the need for something to be done now," said attorney Mary Louis Parker.
The Monroe County Bar Association formed a judicial evaluation committee. It will examine all candidates for an open Monroe County Judge position. Parker, the Vice Chairperson, explained, "This is an open, honest, and in depth attempt to evaluate these judicial candidates."
The candidates will undergo a criminal background check and a reference check. They'll also have to answer several pages of questions. In addition to that paperwork, they'll have to submit their tax returns, a list of their assets and other business interests.
Bensinger, the Committee Chairperson said that would help find, "Whether they'd have greater temptation to steal money to make wrong decisions."
Five lawyers sit on the board along with four community members. Rich Berkowitz said, "You can't rely on the courts, you don't believe in justice and if justice is corrupt - who do you believe in?"
Committee member Wayne Bolt said, "We just want to pick a good and honest judge for our area here."
The board will make recommendations about each candidate before the May primary. Those are suggestions on who people should vote for. It has no impact on whether or not candidates are allowed to remain on the ballot.
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
Supreme Court Stops Election to Fill Lokuta's Seat
Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, Mar 25, 2009 @06:05pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The state Supreme Court has halted an election to fill the Luzerne County judicial seat of Ann Lokuta.
She was removed from the bench last year and filed a document earlier this month to block the election.
The Supreme Court also ordered the Court of Judicial Discipline to consider whether it should reopen Lokuta's case. That's because three of the witnesses against her pleaded guilty in an ongoing federal corruption probe at the Luzerne County Courthouse.
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2009 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
Ursus:
Woo-weee! It's about time! Unbelievable that Ciavarella and Conahan are still running around free on bail though...
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[Local news video coverage of the following story accessible from title link.]
Local news / Wilkes-Barre, PA
Ciavarella Cases To Be Reversed, Erased
Reported by: Joe Holden
Thursday, Mar 26, 2009 @10:26pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Thousands of cases could be reversed and eventually expunged, according to Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll. Her office has been ordered to review all juvenile case dispositions by ex-Judge Mark Ciavarella from 2003 to 2008.
The Pa. Supreme Court issued the order Thursday directing prosecutors to determine if there could be more victims caught up in one of the worst judicial scandals. Ciavarella and fellow ex-Judge Michael Conahan pleaded guilty last month to charges they masterminded an incarceration scheme that sent juveniles to privately owned facilities in exchange for cash, $2.6 million to be exact. Musto-Carroll said her office will be forced to assign two assistant district attorneys and two support staff personnel to handle the order. She described the assignment "substantial and voluminous."
The order identifies guidelines for determining those juveniles who qualify for the emergency relief.
Ciavarella and Conahan remain free on bail pending the completion of a pre-sentencing report.
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2009 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
Ursus:
Local news / Wilkes-Barre, PA
Governor Asked to Put Ciavarella's Seat on May Ballot
Reported by: Eyewitness News
Monday, Mar 30, 2009 @03:10pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Luzerne County President Judge Chester Muroski wants former Judge Mark Ciaverella's seat on the Primary Election ballot.
Judge Muroski sent governor Ed Rendell a letter Friday. The request comes after former Judge Ann Lokuta's seat was taken off the ballot last week. The position was withdrawn pending her appeal of the ruling that removed her from office.
Ciavarella's resignation came too late for his seat to be placed on the ballot. Judge Muroski made the request given the unusual circumstances in Luzerne County.
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
The I-Team Catches Up With Mark Ciavarella
Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Wednesday, Apr 8, 2009 @06:15pm EST
The I-Team tracked down disgraced Judge Mark Ciavarella Wednesday. Ciavarella was at the Scranton Federal Courthouse to talk with probation officials.
Ciavarella plead guilty in a "kids for cash" scheme. He is accused of taking some $2.6 million in kickback to send kids to a private juvenile detention center.
Another judge, Michael Conahan, is also facing similar charges. The case has captured worldwide attention.
Up until now Ciavarella has never spoken to local media. That changed Wednesday when the I-Team's Andy Mehalshick caught up with him outside court.
Ciavarella wouldn't say much, only that his attorney had advised him not to make any formal statements. "Andy at this point I can't make any comment. I've been told by my attorney that it's in my best interests not to make any statements. I'm following his advice thank you," he said.
When asked about statements he made to national and international media about not 'selling kids,' that there was no 'kids for cash scheme,' Ciavarella answered, "The statement was the statement. I've been told by my attorney since I made that statement I best not say anything."
He said he looks forward to a day when he can talk about the allegations. "I'll have my opportunity to respond relative to these accusations that have been made. I look forward to that day when it's appropriate. I'll have a statement then. I'll be glad to express my feelings rated to these issues," Ciavarella said.
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2009 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
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