Trending Topics

Disgraced Pa. judge wants convictions tossed

The juvenile court judge was convicted last month of taking payments from the owner of two detention centers in a scheme involving another judge

Associated Press

SCRANTON, Pa. — A former Pennsylvania juvenile court judge convicted in a $1 million kickback scheme involving privately-owned juvenile detention centers wants his conviction on racketeering charges overturned.

Former Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella filed motions Friday asking a federal judge to toss his convictions on charges including racketeering and money laundering conspiracy.

Ciavarella was convicted last month of taking payments from the owner of two detention centers in a scheme involving another judge. The scandal prompted the state Supreme Court to toss thousands of juvenile convictions issued by Ciavarella, saying they were tainted.

One motion seeks a new trial, claiming the court erred on several issues. Others claim the statute of limitations had passed for some charges.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU