Prosecutor: Pa. ex-judge betrayed ‘sacred trust’

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Prosecutors say a former Pennsylvania judge betrayed a “sacred trust” by taking part in a $2.8 million kickback scheme involving privately-owned juvenile detention centers.

In his closing argument Wednesday morning, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod said children who appeared before former Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella were “used as pawns in a scheme to enrich” Ciavarella and another judge.

Prosecutors say Ciavarella and former county President Judge Michael Conahan received payments from the builder and co-owner of two juvenile detention facilities in a “kids for cash” scheme that prompted the state Supreme Court to throw out thousands of convictions.

Ciavarella said he accepted money from the builder but insisted the payments were “finder’s fees.” His attorney will present closing arguments later today.

Conahan has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.