News

The ABC TV news magazine “20/20” is scheduled to broadcast a segment about the Luzerne County judicial scandal tonight during its 10-11 p.m. show.

Read more Luzerne County Judges articles

On the web

• Watch the video
• Read the story

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

ABC producer Howie Masters said in an e-mail that investigative correspondent Jim Avila will host the show, which will include interviews with several juveniles who were assigned to a detention system that included PA Child Care facilities in Pittston Township and in western Pennsylvania. Former judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella admitted taking $2.6 million in kickbacks in exchange for actions that led to the county’s use of the centers.

The segment also includes a “confrontational” interview with Ciavarella, Masters said.

An ABC crew visited Luzerne County several times during production, and interviewed local news media figures who cover the scandal, including Times Leader reporter Terrie Morgan-Besecker.

The text version of tonight's ABC News 20/20 segment about the Luzerne County judicial scandal has been posted on the show's Web site.

The posting includes a preview of the broadcast that is scheduled to air during the program that begins at 10 p.m.