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The beginning
Knowing he was sending children to a run-down detention facility, Ciavarella decided a new one was needed and approached power broker Judge Michael Conahan, who assembled an investor group to build a private, for-profit detention facility named PA Child Care. Ciavarella was paid a finder’s fee of 10 percent of construction costs, or $2.2 million, by its builder. -
Investigation begins
The Juvenile Law Center asks the Supreme Court to investigate the large number of juveniles appearing without counsel before Luzerne County Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. Ciavarella's incarceration rate for juveniles is more than double the state average. -
Admittance
Ciavarella removes himself from juvenile court duties and admits he repeatedly failed to properly inform juveniles of their right to counsel. -
Staying Strong
The state Supreme Court denies the Juvenile Law Center's request for a review of Ciavarella's cases. -
I Plead Guilty
Posecutors announce Ciavarella and former judge Michael T. Conahan will plead guilty to accepting $2.8 million from individuals tied to for-profit juvenile detention centers. The court removes them from judicial duties. -
Grim appointed for review
The Supreme Court names Senior Berks County Judge Arthur E. Grim to conduct a review. -
The New Plea is Signed
Prosecutors announce Conahan has signed a new plea agreement. Ciavarella's attorney says he is preparing for trial. -
The First Hearing
The Interbranch Commission holds first of 11 public hearings -
Adoption of Recommendation
The court adopts Grim's recommendation to vacate all juvenile court sentences. -
Preparing the Sentence
The Interbranch Commission issues a 66-page report with recommendations for legislators and the Supreme Court. -
Sentencing
Ciavarella, who is convicted and sentenced to 28 years in prison -
Final Sentencing
Conahan is sentenced to 17½ years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy.
