Ciavarella, Conahan emerge from courthouse after pleading guilty

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February 12, 2009

Ciavarella, Conahan emerge from courthouse after pleading guilty

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

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40 Reader Comments

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mark said...

off to jail we go

February 12, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Scott said...

Perp walk? They don't look happy do they? Probably looking for "Big Bob" and the rest of the posse. Stinks when your peeps dis you. Not to worry, New Friends right around the corner and no wardrobe worries!

February 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM

grant said...

Why do the photo captions still refer to them as judges?

February 12, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Ann said...

The pictures say it all. Both of them look insane.

February 12, 2009 at 11:38 AM

bob said...

pizza and frogs for tomorrow

February 12, 2009 at 12:03 PM

R Bryan said...

Rot in Hell, the both of you!

February 12, 2009 at 12:23 PM

kevin said...

BYE BYE

February 12, 2009 at 12:24 PM

yeeehawwww said...

Here Come Da' Judge!!

February 12, 2009 at 12:26 PM

anon esq. said...

I hope they do not walk out unless they are in custody of a US Marshal and on the way way to prison TODAY

February 12, 2009 at 12:27 PM

Rodney D. said...

I don't know if the kids should throw rice or their shoes!

February 12, 2009 at 12:31 PM

Jane C. said...

You know, I do feel bad for these men. From the pictures, it's obvious that they are very frightened. I believe that in the course of their work that they honestly exercised good judgment. But always wanting more is sort of the human condition...and these guys are just human. Like I said before: God bless them.

February 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM

Janine said...

Security is the same at EVERY federal court-high. Everyone is required to show photo ID.

February 12, 2009 at 1:39 PM

Bob Paul said...

Ciavarella and Conahan will most likely end up in a minimum security prison for white-collar criminals.

February 12, 2009 at 3:22 PM

ScottP said...

The Ego, unmitigated gall of these Pigs. IF anybody treats these slobs with a scinitilla of respect or compassion - they are as bad as them. As far as Powell goes... He is just as bad.

February 12, 2009 at 3:24 PM

Gypsy said...

Prophetic for the rest of them, one way or another.

February 12, 2009 at 3:29 PM

Harry Stewart said...

I reside in Tallahassee, Fl and read about the " Judges " stealing that money. What a shame but have you noticed that almost all persons given the responsibilty to govern correctly do not and pocket illegal funds. Shame on them.

February 12, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Mr Fsalt said...

Marky looks a bit stressed. They should have put handcuffs on him. Just like he did to the children! that lowlife scumbag!

February 12, 2009 at 3:48 PM

TJ said...

Well that's two down and on their way to prison. And Sharkey will be keeping them company very soon. Just keep flushing the bums out FBI, there's more to go.

February 12, 2009 at 3:51 PM

midnightwalker said...

What about whoever was running that wilderness place kids were sentenced to? Who owned that?

February 12, 2009 at 4:04 PM

drumbo said...

"His judgement cometh, and that right soon"

February 12, 2009 at 4:38 PM

robomad said...

It is written: "JUDGE NOT-LEST YE BE JUDGED" and "AS YOU JUDGE, SO YOU WILL BE JUDGED". AMEN and AMEN.

February 12, 2009 at 5:31 PM

BT by the sea said...

Have you any idea how embarrassing it is to tell people I'm from NEPA. Between this fiasco(which is known nationally) and 'The Office', I hope they never ask the question.

February 12, 2009 at 6:05 PM

LJ said...

no one has said it but are they being disbarred?

February 12, 2009 at 6:06 PM

The People Have Spoken! said...

I,like most people in Luzerne County are so disgusted with this court house and certain individuals who work there.I hope these two scum bags get that smirk off they're faces in prison.I only hope these two soory excuses for human beings stay out of the county when they get out because your not wanted.I hope nothing but the worse for both of you and pray that you or your familys read all these statements.Too the rest of those clowns in the courthouse,your day is coming and you know it.I hope the people have learned they're lesson also and clean out that corthouse come election time.I don,t care how great some have performed,all must go and bring fresh,honest people into that judicial house.Again, both of you rot in hell and try to have a really nice time in prison.

February 12, 2009 at 6:14 PM

DJ said...

OK they have pleaded guilty now. Does this mean that there off to minium security club fed? You know the one with the 9 hole golf course and barricks style living? If that's the case where is the justice?

February 12, 2009 at 6:38 PM

Rodney D. said...

I'm beginning to see a pattern here! They must all wear suits!

February 12, 2009 at 6:40 PM

nepagoth said...

Scum! Absolute scum! Ahh! What better way to enjoy their Golden Years???!!!!

February 12, 2009 at 6:45 PM

Barry said...

Hell is too good for them

February 12, 2009 at 7:12 PM

Tbone said...

OK, check that box. And why exactly is there always a gap between the plea and sentencing? They should go straight to serving the time. Now where does the money go? Where’s all the civil suits. They deserve to come out of jail poor, old, retired taxpayers.

February 12, 2009 at 7:14 PM

PAtriot said...

It's times like these I am proud to be an American. Too bad times like these are few and far between.

February 12, 2009 at 9:03 PM

John McTeague said...

87 months seems remarkably light for that level of corruption and abuse of office.

February 12, 2009 at 10:39 PM

Amy Swartley said...

My son was sent away by Ciavarella for his first offense, misdameanor. My son has been diagnosed with a disorder from his 10 months of being locked away because of this man's greed. I have a question, how long did Luzerne County know about these 2 judges, yet do nothing about it?

February 12, 2009 at 10:44 PM

Lee Rudnicki, Esq. said...

Throwing a kid in jail when he or she should not be there is kidnapping. 87 months is far too lenient for this crime committed under the color of authority.

February 12, 2009 at 10:48 PM

Kramden327 said...

Any bets that these two will never serve a day in jail? After all, they are such good boys "who have never been in trouble before". And you have to keep in mind that though it's a Federal case, it's still a case of judges judging judges. I see the outcome as a slap on the wrist, accompanied by a stern warning of "and don't do it again!". I am glad that the bank is pursuing their loss, because if there's one thing that a bank doesn't like is losing money. Maybe this is where justice will occur, but then again, how can these two pay back the massive sums that they owe? In all seriousness, I certainly hope that justice prevails, and especially that the victims of these two ex-judges receive some satisfaction from the resolution of this case.

February 13, 2009 at 6:57 AM

K said...

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO THERE ATTORNEYS WERE AND DON'T THEY KNOW THAT THEY ARE A FLIGHT RISK,OR IS THAT THE PLAN I REALLY CAN'T SEE THEM IN JAIL MAYBE THEY HAVE A CONDO SET UP FOR THEM.THEY NEED SOMEONE TO FOLLOW THEM AND THERE EVERY MOVE BECAUSE I SEE IT NOW THEY WILL BE GONE IN THE DUST.

February 13, 2009 at 7:09 AM

John E. Thompson said...

Hey Andy How do you feel about your friends now ? Seems to me you are pounding the pavement for your income. Whats up with that ?

February 15, 2009 at 7:31 PM

Steve said...

I wonder how a fat old corrupt judge who sent people to prison without cause will be treated my the other inmates in a federal penetentiary?

February 15, 2009 at 11:10 PM

George said...

Let he who has not sin cast the first stone.

February 16, 2009 at 9:52 AM

Che said...

Up to 7 years of protected prison time for such vile creatures..seems light. According to these judges its ok to send away a 17 year old for $4 worth of stolen nutmeg ? Which earns you 7 months and no lawyer..but they can steal millions, What a great justice system.

February 16, 2009 at 1:27 PM

mike said...

My guess is...these two pigs will have their attorneys working feverishly for a reduced sentence based on good behavior. Somehow...I doubt they will do a full 87 months.....I see them getting out within 24 mo's or less....They suck..and should be sent to a maximum security prison..to be forced to service & be serviced by thy brother in prison.....get it?

February 16, 2009 at 7:02 PM