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Oh The Corruption!!!!!
Luzerne County judges Conahan and Ciavarella scheme to collect compensation for sending children to a new juvenile detention center for even minor crimes. Those close to the judges seem to turn the other cheek to this corruption. -
The Investigation Begins
The Juvenile Law Center suggests the Supreme Court investigate cases where juveniles appeared before Judge Mark Ciavarella without Council. Also, Ciavarella's incarceration rate was double the state average. -
Bye-Bye Ciavarella
Judge Ciavarella admits to improper handling of providing juveniles with council and removes himself from juvenile court in Luzerne County. -
Ciavarella and Conahan
Federal Prosecutors announce that former judges Conahan and Ciavarella will both plead guilty to accepting payment in return to sending kids to juvenile detention centers. -
Conducting the Review (enter the Grimstermeister)
The Supreme Court finally decides to review Ciavarella via an investigation conducted by Berks County Judge Art Grim. -
Grimstermeister asks "What have we here?"
Judge Grim recommends that all of Ciavarella's cases from 2003 thru 2008 be vacated. -
And Bye Bye Guilty Pleas
Both Ciavarella and Conahan withdraw their guilty pleas after the sentence agreed to in their plea bargains was rejected. -
Thumbs Up Grimmy-boy
The Court adapts Judge Grims reccomedation (see Aug 7, 2009). -
Run For Your Life Conahan
Judge Conahan agrees to a new plea agreement, throws Ciavarella under the bus. -
Bye Bye Ciavarella
Judge Ciavarella is found guilty of charges related to fraud and other like charges. He is sentenced to 28 years in prison and on his way outside the courthouse, a mother of child he charged yells at him that he ruined her life and killed her son who went on a downward spiral after Ciavarella's charges and eventually took his own life.
