Powell may eat words about PA Child Care

Home // News // Hot Topics // Luzerne County Judges

January 30, 2009

He is indirectly ID’d in case involving judges, facilities he partly owned until last year.

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter

Attorney Robert Powell got defensive during the February 2003 ribbon-cutting ceremony for his newly opened Pittston Township juvenile detention center, saying he bit his tongue while the project was “politicized beyond belief.”

Read more Luzerne County Judges articles

click image to enlarge

Attorney Robert Powell’s 1980 Rockwell International Corp. NA-265-65, a 12-passenger, 2-engine model, sits on the tarmac at Hazleton Municipal Airport. A federal complaint alleges kickbacks were paid to two Luzerne County judges in return for beneficial judicial decisions and other actions that led the county to use two juvenile detention centers he was part owner of until June 2008.

Pete G. Wilcox/the times leader

click image to enlarge

Amidst growing talk about a federal probe, Attorney Robert J. Powell announced last June he was selling his interest in juvenile detention centers in Pittston Township and in western Pennsylvania, and in a firm developing a proposed cargo airport in the Hazleton area.

Don Carey/the times leader

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

``I won’t let my name be drug through the mud anymore,” Powell told the audience of more than 100 friends, family and employees.

He maintained the project wasn’t about politics or profits and said he got the idea to build a local detention center after meeting a father who was scared that his son would be placed in Luzerne County’s aging North River Street detention center.

“This was about the children,” Powell said.

But the opposite picture is portrayed in the recent federal complaint, which alleges kickbacks were paid to two Luzerne County judges in exchange for favorable judicial rulings and other actions that led to the county’s use of the Pittston Township center and another center also owned by Powell and Greg Zappala in western Pennsylvania.

The $2.6 million in alleged kickbacks to then judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella were made by people identified as “participant 1” and “participant 2” in the 22-page complaint. Details in the paperwork indirectly identify Powell as participant 1.

Powell, who is 49 and a Hazleton area native, has declined requests for comment in recent days. Standing well over 6 feet, Powell attended St. Francis College on a basketball scholarship, receiving his law degree from the New England School of Law, according to the law firm Web site.

He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1987 but didn’t noticeably crack into government work until the mid-1990s.

Powell’s sudden chain of public hirings generated cries of politics from some taxpayers, who questioned whether his selection was linked to political campaign donations.

In January 1996, then-county commissioners Tom Makowski, Frank Crossin and Joseph “Red” Jones hired him as county planning commission solicitor.

Around that time, Powell was also hired as West Hazleton and Hazleton City solicitor and as bond counsel for a Hazleton Area School District construction/renovation project and the Luzerne County Convention Center’s proposed arena project.

County minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban complained in 2001 that Powell was hired for county bond work without a public vote or discussion.

By the spring of 2002, Powell and his firm had been paid more than $150,000 for county legal work. He and his firm contributed $12,400 to the campaigns of Democratic majority county commissioners from 1995 through 2002.

Powell’s involvement in PA Child Care, which built the Pittston Township detention center, was discovered by a reporter through mortgage documents in April 2002 – nine months after the court sent county commissioners the original proposal to lease the building.

Urban complained that Powell should have fully disclosed his involvement in the project to all three county commissioners from the beginning, in large part because he served as planning commission solicitor until his resignation in February 2002.

Powell ignored repeat written and verbal notices from county officials – including the county solicitor – to file financial disclosure forms as required by the state Ethics Commission covering his years of solicitorship employment with the county. These forms are supposed to publicly disclose information about real estate interests, creditors, significant gifts and direct and indirect income.

County officials said Thursday that Powell never filed the reports.

Commissioners were somewhat forced to use the Pittston Township center because Conahan announced, shortly before the center opened, that he would no longer send juveniles to the county’s River Street facility.

Though commissioners planned to build a new county facility, Commissioner Greg Skrepenak and former Commissioner Todd Vonderheid approved a $58-million, 20-year lease of the Pittston Township center in October 2004.

Powell enjoys great success, wealth

Meanwhile, Powell’s law firm thrived.

An online profile of Powell by Super Lawyers, a listing of “outstanding lawyers” from more than 70 practice areas, says Powell has received numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts in medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, automobile crashes, product liability and other cases.

The firm’s Web site lists the cases, with titles such as “Jury awards injured worker $3.25 million” and “Another one! $1.7 million verdict.”

Powell showed signs of his growing wealth. He owned a 56-foot yacht named “Reel Justice,” and a 12-seat Rockwell International jet is registered at his business address, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

In 2005, Powell and his wife, Debra, built a 7,100-square-foot home on five acres in the Ice Ponds section of Rice Township. The reassessment company has valued the property at $1.46 million.

A new moniker – John Doe – was attached to Powell in 2007 when The Times Leader discovered that county Prothonotary Jill Moran – his law partner – switched Powell’s name in her office database so he wasn’t linked to an Internal Revenue Service tax lien filed against him.

Moran said she had reason to believe the IRS filed the lien in error, but other county residents and businesses did not have the luxury of John Doe anonymity on liens filed against them.

Experts said her action was illegal. Federal officials were looking into the matter, but it’s unclear if any official action was taken against Moran. Moran later put the lien under Powell’s name in the office database.

Amidst increasing chatter about the federal investigation, Powell announced in June 2008 that he was selling his interest in the Pittston Township detention center, the western Pennsylvania center and the company developing a proposed $1.6 billion regional cargo airport in the Hazleton area.

Zappala bought Powell’s interest for an undisclosed dollar amount.

“In the last few weeks, as some have focused on rumor and innuendo, the projects I have helped create have continued to thrive and make progress,” Powell said in a news release. “Now is the perfect time for me to step away, allow development and operations professionals to take over and begin to focus on new opportunities.”

Powell defended the Pittston Township detention center lease in his press release, saying the facility has been an “unquestioned success” for the county, taxpayers and children.

“I am very proud of the company and the hundreds of kids’ lives I have helped change for the positive,” Powell wrote.

Special Offer: $2.00/week Home Delivery

39 Reader Comments

Questions or comments? Here's how to reach us.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page

Eddie Rickenbacker said...

That old fuel guzzler isn't worth much and is as obsolete as the Model T Ford

January 30, 2009 at 1:25 AM

John Doe said...

You forgot about his Cargo airport deal and who he was assocoated with in that deal

January 30, 2009 at 5:47 AM

john said...

I read on The firm’s Web site where Judge Mark Ciaverella presided over the case with a title such as “Jury awards injured worker $3.25 million”. I also read on The firm’s Web site where “Another one! $1.7 million verdict.” was presented before Judge Michael Conahan

January 30, 2009 at 6:20 AM

Question? said...

Times please tell me the feds are looking at Mr. Skrepnak. All the illegal things that went on at the county prison the last five years, and he voted for this juvenile detention lease.

January 30, 2009 at 6:39 AM

Jeff said...

"Though commissioners planned to build a new county facility, Commissioner Greg Skrepenak and former Commissioner Todd Vonderheid approved a $58-million, 20-year lease of the Pittston Township center in October 2004." Hopefully the Feds will uncover what part Skrep and his good buddy Vonderheid may played in this case, because without their vote Ciavarella and Conahan's get rich quick scheme couldn't have taken place. There's a circle of people involved in this, not just the two idiot judges.

January 30, 2009 at 6:51 AM

joe chomama said...

Slime....makes me itchy reading about this low life creep...good to his friends too

January 30, 2009 at 7:14 AM

Joseph said...

“I am very proud of the company and the hundreds of kids’ lives I have helped change for the positive,” What a piece of garbage this creature is. He has destroyed hundreds of families and introduced hundreds of children into a court system that creates lifelong repeat offenders. Enjoy the millions that you stole from me and my neighbors while you can!

January 30, 2009 at 8:17 AM

Rob said...

I'll be happy when he's finally in an orange jumpsuit.

January 30, 2009 at 8:33 AM

Hoofie of Falls said...

Will this lizard jump through all the hoops and escape prosecution on ethereal technicalities? I'd personally like to see a public hanging on the square. Dreaming, just dreaming.

January 30, 2009 at 8:44 AM

Pringle Hill said...

I don't know how this guy cannot be involved with scandal. He has done well for himself and family for sure. Have to wait for all the cards to fall on the table to see.

January 30, 2009 at 8:44 AM

Concerned Citizen said...

He is just as guilty as the judges when it comes to sending these kids away. Where is the justice. He should be dis-barred and brought up on charges as well. Now every lawyer that lost a case against Powell that was in front of either of these judges will have to be re-examined. And rightfully so. How much is that going to cost taxpayers? Why isn't this guy brought up on charges? Did he cop a plea? Where is the full story here?

January 30, 2009 at 8:59 AM

mark said...

yuk! that smells really bad! I don't believe there is one honest politician in Luzerne County. Opps sorry, I used honest and politician in the same sentence. What was I thinking?

January 30, 2009 at 9:10 AM

JJB FLA said...

THIS LYING DECEITFUL ATTORNEY NEEDS TO GO DOWN TOO, ALONG WITH THE LYING JUDICIAL THIEVES, CONAHAN AND CIAVARELLA. THEY ARE THE LOWEST OF THIEVES STEALING FROM THE PUBLIC AND MAKING THEIR LIVLIHOOD FROM GREED.

January 30, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Charmaine Maynard said...

Considering all the circumstances, I believe that the public should demand some hard facts before blindly agreeing to now get involved with the Cargo Airport project in Hazleton.

January 30, 2009 at 11:01 AM

Matt Sciabacucchi said...

You voted these morons in there. I never voted for any of them. See the mentality of the area, and here is the reuslts.

January 30, 2009 at 11:04 AM

Bill said...

I'm no lawyer but why haven't participant #1 and #2 been charged with any crimes? Isn't bribing a government official illegal?

January 30, 2009 at 11:09 AM

J.W. said...

I have a suggestion to fill the vacated seats of the judges: Moran and Powell. They are an ideal fit for Luzerne County government. They have demonstrated their skill at making up their own rules as they go along. Certainly we already know who the new prison warden is going to be, it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out, not that you will find a genius in the county system.

January 30, 2009 at 11:57 AM

Cal said...

INDICT HIM

January 30, 2009 at 12:10 PM

Scott P said...

The deals are being made as we speak. Info for immunity. Fat Cats trying to stay out of the type of facilities they made millions on. As a native of this area, I am ashamed of the acceptance and tacid approval given these people and their shady dealings.

January 30, 2009 at 1:02 PM

TJ said...

To Matt. You SAY you didn't vote for any of them. Anyone could make that claim and would, just to ease their own conscience. When the chips are down, all the "I didn't vote for him" show up.

January 30, 2009 at 1:38 PM

kevin said...

anyone for the honorable judge robert kadlaboski to preside on this matter now THAT would make my day..can you say bye bye to ALL the scumbag politicians

January 30, 2009 at 1:59 PM

Jpoker said...

Time's! Please llok into how county employees were given cetain jobs in the courts system. Particually in the local courts. (ie-Feussners office, Zola's office) They are all in cahoutes with each other. Lay them all off!

January 30, 2009 at 2:17 PM

John said...

This is what happens when you have a part time county government with no internal controls and no one watching the store. Time for Home Rule and full time administrators. Oh, and I hope the FBI looks into the gambling ring that operates out of the court house. You'd be surprised who's involved in that. Then again you probably wouldn't.

January 30, 2009 at 2:29 PM

George Carlin said...

One could easily believe that it is really a select group of Attorneys who run Luzerne County. Could the Judges be a mere illusion? Keep digging FBI. Tie a yellow ribbon around the ole Rotunda and call it a crime scene.

January 30, 2009 at 2:43 PM

Ziggy said...

Wow, won multimillion $$$ cases before Conahan and Ciavarella, I smell insurance fraud here too. Can't wait for the bilked insurance companies to jump on the bandwagon here.... It just get's better and better. We had to lose Paragon too because of this clown and his schemes. I can't remember the owner of Paragon, he should sue too. Gee, after reading this article I have the urge to evacuate my colon.

January 30, 2009 at 2:46 PM

Joe said...

How about Powell and both Judges vacationed together in Florida

January 30, 2009 at 2:57 PM

Wii Price said...

This whole chain of events makes me sick.Powell,Ciaverella, and Conohan should be sick ,too...not only did they committ an illegal act, they also committed a sin against the children and taxpayers of Luzerne County.They should be ashamed of themselves.People are losing their homes, parents are holding two jobs and paying huge dollars for daycare, and other people are without food or shelter.And this guy has a private jet and a 56 yacht,and a mansion... another typical leech sucking the blood from the insureds and than taking his cut, in the name of justice? Reel Justice? I hope they get what is coming to them.

January 30, 2009 at 3:04 PM

Dave3733 said...

I guess Mr. Powell is embarrassed by this information coming out as his website is now down for "routine maintenance". Yeah right!

January 30, 2009 at 3:30 PM

Rob said...

I find it extremely difficult to believe that we have heard all of the names who were involved in this complete corruption scam. Where are the rest of the arrests?? The individuals mentioned in this probe thus far certainly could not have completed all of these acts on their own???

January 30, 2009 at 3:48 PM

mikeg said...

Corruption in our government has become a way of life. Are we surprised that politicians are the least trusted people in our society.

January 30, 2009 at 4:13 PM

PPO Must Go said...

I wonder why Olszewski gets all of Joe Quinn's cases. I guess the other Judges just dont notice

January 30, 2009 at 4:13 PM

George Jetson said...

Get the flight records of the plane, passenger list to Jupiter and you'll know who Powell was "entertaining". The truth is out there.

January 30, 2009 at 7:17 PM

joe harveys lake. said...

its to bad the voters in luzerne county didnt listen to bill james ;steve urban yrs ago remember;but no you let skrepnak/ vonderheid especially vonderheid buy the commissoner job do you rember how much they spent of your money on ads/can you say almost a million for a 55000 a year job and all the donations they could get i really wonder how much the judges donated for their vote james /urban were right;

January 30, 2009 at 7:23 PM

PPO MUST GO said...

ITS FUNNY WHY DOES PETER PAUL OLSZEWSKI GET ALL OF JOE QUINN'S CASES I GUESS NO ONE NOTICES THAT

January 30, 2009 at 8:56 PM

Zack said...

These two judges and Powell must be held accoutable for their corruption. How can we tell juveniles that crime is bad if we let them get away with it?

January 31, 2009 at 1:29 AM

Tom Sedeski said...

This guy is a greedy criminal. I hope those big cases are appealed. If he isnt disbarred it will be a travesty.

February 1, 2009 at 12:33 AM

Tony said...

What about the other Judge? Maybe then can take DeSanto with them.

February 1, 2009 at 7:29 AM

Concerned tax payer!! said...

I Think since they all had a hand in building the county facility, let them spend a few weeks in there, than on to a state pen.Save on gas take them all in one trip.

February 4, 2009 at 12:17 PM

T.U. Gal said...

The vast majority of civil cases are decided by these things that are called JURIES. Judges don't decide verdicts in most civil cases.

February 5, 2009 at 7:37 AM