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2:40 p.m. | Guilty judges emerge from courthouse

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Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella walks in the Federal Courthouse in Scranton Thurs. morning. S.John Wilkin/The Times Leader

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Judge Micheal Conahan enters federal court in Scranton on Thursday morning. AIMEE DILGER Photos/The Times Leader 2/12/2009

Aimee Dilger

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Yells of "rot in hell" and "I hope the Aryan Nation loves you in prison" were directed at Luzerne County judges Mark A. Ciavarella and Michael T. Conahan when they emerged from the federal courthouse in Scranton.

Ciavarella and Conahan pleaded guilty to federal charges that they accepted more than $2.6 million in kickbacks in connection to the construction and operation of juvenile detention facilities.

Both judges appeared with their respective attorneys inside the courtroom that was filled to capacity. A second courtroom was set up to accommodate the overflow crowd who watched the 45 minute proceeding that began at 1 p.m.

Ciavarella leaned back in his chair, and Conahan leaned forward, sometimes rubbing his eyes and crossing his arms, during the proceeding.

They said little during the hearing, acknowledging U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik's responses by saying, "Yes, your honor."

After the proceeding, Ciavarella and Conahan emerged together from the courthouse and made their way past the large gathering of media to a waiting Chevrolet Blazer. Ciavarella said "No comment" as he sat in the back seat.

Several people screamed at the judges, "I hope you rot in hell," "I hope the Aryan Nation loves you in prison," "What do you have to say now to the kids you sent away, you pig."

The rear door was shut but was reopened when an attorney got in the back seat. When the door reopened, several people resumed screaming at the judges. One man who yelled came within two feet of Ciavarella's face.

Under the negotiated plea with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Ciavarella and Conahan have agreed to serve 87 months in prison. They will be sentenced at a later date.

1:54 p.m. | Judges plead guilty

Luzerne County judges Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. and Michael T. Conahan have officially pleaded guilty in federal court today in connection to accepting more than $2.6 million in kickbacks from the construction and operation of juvenile detention facilities.

"I plead guilty your honor," Conahan said.

"Guilty, your honor," Ciavarella said.

Under the negotiated plea deal, Ciavarella and Conahan are expected to resign as judges within 10 days. They face 87 months in federal prison when they are sentenced at a later date.

12:53 p.m. | Ciavarella, Conahan enter courthouse

Luzerne County judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan enter federal court in Scranton this morning. The judges are scheduled to enter guilty pleas at 1 p.m. today before Senior U.S. District Judge Edwin Kosik to charges they accepted more than $2.6 million in kickbacks in connection with the operation and construction of juvenile detention centers formerly owned by Butler Township attorney Robert Powell. The hearing is open to the public.

There is a large gathering of local and national news media outside the courthouse.

Ciavarella and Conahan are set to appear in Courtroom 1 at 1 p.m. A second courtroom has been set up where an overflow crowd will observe the proceedings by video.

Security is high at the courthouse. Anyone entering the courthouse is being asked to provide photo identification.

For more updates check back with www.timesleader.com