The LuLac Edition #705, Jan. 26th, 2009
PHOTO INDEX: JUDGES CONAHAN AND CIAVERELLA. (PHOTO FROM TIMES LEADER).
COPPING A PLEA
The long saga of impending charges against two Luzerne County Judges appears to be at a dramatic crossroads. Federal officials today announced they charged Luzerne County judges Mark A. Ciavarella and Michael T. Conahan with concealing more than $2.6 million. The dates ranged from January 2003 to January 2007. The charges were filed today in federal court. The charges alleged Ciavarella and Conahan engaged in fraud by taking millions of dollars from two unnamed individuals connected to the construction and expansion of the juvenile detention center. Payments were made to the judges in return for discretionary acts that the judges took relatied to the juvenile centers. The Judges have already made a plea agreement and will resign the county bench and serve terms of 87 months. Breaking that down, we're talking roughly 7 years. The indictment charges both judges with engaging in a scheme to defraud the public of their honest services and with conspiring to defraud the IRS. The resignations will put the Luzerne County Judiciary in an uproar with 5 Judge vacancies in this election year. Earlier in the day, Ciaverella resigned as President Judge in reaction to his fight with the County Commissioners over budget and hiring matters.
posted by David Yonki @ 1:29 PM
15 comments
15 Comments:
What about Skrep and Vonderhied, if I am not mistaken weren't they major players in leasing the juvi center?
Also, how about Kevin Lynn? For the better part of the last year he has been steering conversation away from this story because of his relationship w/Civerella. If he was doing this, is it possible that he was part of a conspiracy to sway public opinion? And if so, does that put WILK's license in jepordy?
Just asking.
HI DAVID, You think our Annie is listening.... thanks for small favors.... hope she gets reinstated, got to save her good name. Liz from Suscon
Its about time
WOW!!! Luzerne County has moved way ahead of Lackawanna on the corruption meter. At least the visible corruption meter.This thing is big will continue for years! The families of kids jailed for profit should band together in a class action suit against these two criminals, who should have nothing left, and the County which is alrerady hard hit. Seven years isnt enough and these bastards better not wind up in a "country club." Real hard time JAIL among the prison population is called for and fitting! One night in jail can change a life and for many of these kids and their families it did I'm sure.
A disgraceful, disgusting and sickening performance by those elected to serve justice!
Taylor Jack
How long before the Gov of Illinois starts camparing himself to Jesus and starts his own religion? It will be "faith based"
sorta like the arrangement Charlie Manson had with his folowers! If I say it, it is so kind of approach.
This character is amazing. I think they should make Oprah Governor of that state. She seems to succeed at what she tries pretty consistently.
According to the "Voice"
"The information filed today alleges the judges received payments from two persons, identified as Individual # 1 and Individual # 2. They are not named, but the information says Individual # 1 was a Luzerne County attorney who was an owner of the Pennsylvania Child Care juvenile detention center that is at the core of the government’s case. This could turn out to be huge!
IN RESPONSE
how about Kevin Lynn? For the better part of the last year he has been steering conversation away from this story because of his relationship w/Civerella. If he was doing this, is it possible that he was part of a conspiracy to sway public opinion? And if so, does that put WILK's license in jepordy?
I THINK LYNN HAS GONE OUT OF HIS WAY TO EXPRESS HIS DISAPPOINTMENT WITH JUDGE MARK. SWAYING PUBLIC OPINION IS ONE THING BUT I DON'T THINK KEVIN HAS DONE THAT IN THIS CASE. I DON'T THINK WILK'S LICENSE IS IN PERIL.
The county's liability insurance carrier is not going to cover the cost(s) of the law suits that are sure to come. Criminal activity is not covered. We, the tax payers, are now financial partners, like it or not, in the impending litigation. The judges managed to spread the risk to all of us.
It's inconceivable how much potential damage that SOB did to some of the families and individuals who's freedom he stole for his own profit. I sincerely hope they don't get some slap on the wrist for this, and spend what little time (barring early parole) they may have to serve. Apparently Mark C. is already putting up a fight. Word has it they were looking at 25 years? Hope they pay the legal ultimate. As for Luzerne County ... hope this is a lesson learned people! Wake up. This has been going on for years with very little action or repercussions!
I could not more vehemently disagree. Kevin Lynn provided cover for this guy for at least 1 year. He even stated how good his friend was w/the kids before him. He consistently told us how smart he was. He even tried to convince us that the latest actions must be correct because his friend was so smart. I think he tried to keep this off the table during his show. He used his friendship as an excuse, but he ripped apart good people. He ripped Urban apart for opposing this facility.
Are you serious about Kevin Lynn? He consistently went after Commish Urban. Calling him a fuller brush salesperson and stating that his only role was to say no. Repeatedly lambasting him as an obstacle to among other issues, the juvenile detention facility. I can't remember correctly, but I think he went after former treasurer Flood for the same thing. Why did he spend so much time trying to discredit these two public servants who were trying to get information on this center?
I'm not saying he did anything wrong, however his vicious attacks of some, who proved to correct, and staunch defense of others, who proved to be wrong, begs many questions, I think others than just anon 2:13 should be asking these questions.
For crying out loud, guys. Kevin Lynn admits to being a friend to Ciavarella. He may have been blinded by that friendship. But swaying public opinion? Come on. His is only one voice locally and anyone who is swayed by talk radio has more than a few issues of his or her own to deal with. All it is is people expressing their opinions.
Today Kevin Lynn made a definite comment stating that he had been hearing about this from people he knew at the court house. So maybe he was just stating opinion, or was he trying to steer converstation and interest away from the topic?
are you kiding anon 9:59? when WILK people cover a presidential campaign stop, a press conference, etc do they have opion talker passes or PRESS PASSES?
This crap that they get a pass because the are just expressing opionion alleviates them of responsiblity is b.s.. They operate under a PUBLIC broadcast license
If I remember correctly, Kevin Lynn took credit for Chris Carney's victory over Don Sherwood, so obviously in his mind he can influence people.
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